‘No distinction between leaders’: N Ramchander Rao takes charge as Telangana BJP chief; pitches local polls as stepping stone to power

HYDERABAD: Naraparaju Ramchander Rao, the incoming chief of the Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party, has made it clear that strengthening the party's performance in upcoming local body elections will be his top priority-a strategy he believes is crucial for positioning the BJP as a serious contender in the next assembly elections.Speaking to TOI shortly after his nomination, Ramchander Rao emphasised the need for unity and inclusiveness within the party. "Our immediate focus will be on the local body polls. We will work collectively towards this goal. The party will ensure equal opportunities for all-there will be no distinction between senior leaders and those who are just emerging," he said.

Confident about the party's growing influence in the state, Naraparaju Ramchander Rao said, "I truly believe we will achieve our goals as the BJP's popularity continues to rise." He acknowledged the dual challenge of expanding the party's base in rural Telangana while also addressing the gaps in urban constituencies. "Once we receive clear directions from the central leadership, we will align our efforts and make sure younger leaders are meaningfully involved in party activities," he added.He also launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, accusing both the parties of misgovernance and betrayal of public trust. "Both Congress and BRS have exploited Telangana's resources and shattered the dreams of its people," he said. "The BJP has now emerged as a credible alternative. With a double-engine govt, we can turn those dreams into reality," he said.