Political shift in Telangana as BJP finally accepts T Raja's resignation

HYDERABAD: BJP's central leadership on Thursday formally accepted the resignation of Goshamahal MLA and Hindutva "poster boy" T Raja Singh, marking a significant shift in Telangana's political landscape and within the saffron party's inner circles.

The acceptance came via a letter from BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, who bluntly stated that the reasons cited in Singh's resignation were "irrelevant" and did not align with the party's ideology, functioning, principles and discipline. The resignation, submitted earlier to the state leadership, was cleared with "immediate effect" following a directive from BJP national president JP Nadda.

In a statement following the central leadership's acceptance, Singh struck a defiant tone, saying, "I had joined the party 11 years ago without any personal ambition. I will continue to work for Hindutva with integrity and loyalty."

Although there was speculation that Singh may consider joining Shiv Sena (UBT) or Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena, he said Friday he was not joining any party for the time being.

Ten days earlier, he had resigned from the party's primary membership in protest against the central leadership's directive asking former MLC N Ramchander Rao to file his nomination papers for the post of Telangana BJP president. Singh, who attempted to submit his nomination in defiance, alleged that his candidacy was "obstructed" by senior netas, including Union minister and election in-charge Shobha Karandlaje.

Telangana BJP, however, quickly dismissed these accusations, asserting that Singh lacked the mandatory backing of 10 members from the state executive committee - a prerequisite for eligibility.

Although the MLA has not submitted his resignation to the state assembly speaker, his exit from the party leaves the status of his legislative seat in ambiguity. Sources in the party say it remains unclear whether the central leadership will forward his resignation to the speaker or leave the decision to Singh.

Singh's estrangement from BJP has been growing steadily through his second term, especially due to reported tensions with BJP state chief and Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy. He had previously been suspended for controversial remarks during a stand-up show by comedian Munawar Faruqui, only to be reinstated months later.

Singh, one of the five BJP MLAs elected immediately after the state's formation in 2014, has since held Goshamahal seat for three straight terms.