Firebrand BJP leader and MLA Goshamahal Raja Singh has again created political ripples by suddenly announcing that he is resigning from the Bharatiya Janata Party. His decision, prompted by frustration over his exclusion from being given the Telangana state president’s position, was made as he claimed that he wasn’t even permitted to submit his nomination.
Though the news generated curiosity on all media platforms, presenting it as an indication of infighting within the state BJP organization, party leadership has remained practically indifferent. Seasoned leaders, aware of Raja Singh’s volatile temperament and penchant for frequent bursts, preferred keeping mum on the issue.
Raja Singh, with his hardcore Hindutva leanings and local strength base, has been a polarizing figure in Telangana politics for long. Even as a sitting MLA, he has frequently found himself on the periphery of BJP’s strategic thinking. His previous comments resulted in a 14-month suspension from the party, which was withdrawn only ahead of the assembly polls — mainly because he was considered the BJP’s best shot at holding the Goshamahal constituency.
Even after returning to the party, Singh remained on the sidelines for prominent events and important deliberations. His latest call for being made president of Telangana BJP was allegedly dismissed by central leadership, following which he accused leaders such as Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and MP Bandi Sanjay openly of sidelining him.
Although he had announced his resignation, political circles feel that this could be just another spur-of-the-moment action. It would not be unusual if he withdraws his statement in the next few days and announces that he stands by the party.
