Speculation is rife in the state’s political circles that KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, is likely to assume the CM’s role with the blessings of his father, who has practically retired to a quiet life on the outskirts of Hyderabad since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
In fact, there’s a date floating around for the expected takeover – 18 February – an auspicious day as per the Hindu calendar.
Many were, however, less candid when asked whether the state’s equation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled Centre would change if KTR took Telangana’s top job.
In the run-up to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) election, KTR had accused the BJP of “spreading hatred.” The GHMC campaign ran on the tagline, “Do you want Dilli (Delhi) party or Galli (local) party?”
In the GHMC polls, TRS could bag only 55 of the 150 wards even as the BJP recorded a surge, upping its tally to 48 wards.
The state’s other Opposition party, the Congress,…