Will BRS troubleshooter Harish Rao soon be seen in a new and significant role? Recent discussions between KTR and Harish Rao have sparked speculation that Harish has made his intentions clear. While KTR is said to be partially receptive, the final decision rests with KCR. If he agrees, Siddipet MLA Harish Rao may be elevated to a role he has never held before.
According to reliable sources, extensive discussions took place between KTR and Harish Rao on May 16 and 17 at Harish Rao’s residence. During these talks, Harish is believed to have requested that he be appointed as the BRS Legislative Party (LP) Leader, citing his experience, loyalty, and administrative capabilities.
Harish reportedly conveyed to KTR that he has no issues continuing under the current leadership if there are no changes. However, if a leadership transition is underway, he has certain concerns and demands—chief among them being the LP leader position.
Given his prior experience as Minister for Legislative Affairs, Harish argued that he has a comprehensive understanding of Assembly proceedings and can effectively coordinate the MLAs while also intensifying the party’s attack on the government. KTR is said to have responded positively in principle, but internal buzz suggests that KCR will make the final call.
What makes Harish’s request even more intriguing is its timing—just as a leadership change is being discussed. Sources say Harish’s eye is firmly set on the LP leader position with an eye on future political scenarios. If KTR becomes party president and KCR retains the LP leader post, Harish fears he will lose all leverage within the party. Both the party’s organizational leadership and the Assembly leadership would be fully under the control of KCR and his son, effectively sidelining Harish.
That’s why, sources say, Harish has smartly targeted the LP leader post—to retain influence and safeguard his political future.
In legislative politics, the LP leader post is a powerful one. Whoever holds it is naturally seen as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate. Harish seems to believe that if BRS returns to power, the question of who will be the CM must remain open in the cadre’s minds. Currently, KTR is the party’s working president, and the idea of him becoming the next president is gradually being cemented among the party ranks. Harish understands that the top party leadership may be out of reach for him. So, by securing the LP leader position—equally prestigious—he ensures that he remains a contender for the top post in the future.
There is strong buzz within internal circles that Harish is pushing for the LP leader role precisely to keep the CM Candidature debate alive within the BRS and prevent the narrative from being sealed around the KCR-KTR axis.
