BJP infighting erupts as Kaushik Reddy accuses Etala of betrayal, demands MP resignation

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP plunged deeper into internal conflict Tuesday as Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy launched a sharp personal attack on Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, accusing him of political betrayal and daring him to resign from Parliament.

Tensions have mounted in the party with high-profile disputes erupting between several leaders. A recent standoff between Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh and Union Minister Kishan Reddy was barely settled when a fresh row ignited between Etala Rajender and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay. With local elections approaching, senior leaders and cadre have expressed growing concern over the steady stream of internal battles.

Addressing media at Huzurabad, Kaushik Reddy alleged that Etala conspired against K. Chandrashekar Rao and the people of his own constituency while still in BRS. “He cheated from within then, and he’ll cheat the BJP next. Just wait his betrayal will come to light,” he said.

Kaushik said that despite repeated official invitations to attend government functions during his tenure as BRS MLA, Etala refused to show up “out of arrogance.” He accused Etala of now playing victim for not being invited to public events. “You didn’t come when called, and now you cry foul for not being included? That won’t pass,” he said.

Challenging Etala’s developmental claims, Kaushik dared him to prove that any foundation stone in Huzurabad during his tenure omitted his name. “If it’s missing, I’ll rub my nose to the ground in public. If not, he should resign from his MP post,” he said.

He warned that Telangana BJP wouldn’t tolerate Etala’s provocations. “Don’t think we’re sitting idle. You speak recklessly, you’ll be answered,” he said.

The sustained infighting, coming at a crucial political moment, has turned into a source of unease for the party’s top brass. Senior leaders are reportedly alarmed at the open hostility between key figures, fearing it could fracture the state unit ahead of the polls.