In a dramatic upheaval within the Telangana BJP, Gosha Mahal MLA T. Raja Singh—widely known as “Tiger” Singh—submitted his resignation from the party’s primary membership on June 30, 2025. The move was in protest against the central leadership’s decision to appoint N. Ramchander Rao as the new president of the Telangana BJP.
What Sparked the Resignation?
Raja Singh accused senior party figures of blocking his bid for the state president position by “threatening” his supporters with disciplinary action, coercing them to withdraw signatures on his nomination papers. He claimed:
“The silence of many should not be mistaken for agreement,”
writing that the decision to elevate Rao came as a “shock and disappointment” to “lakhs of karyakartas, leaders, and voters”.
A Break—Not a Rejection
Despite quitting the party, Raja Singh emphasized that he remains ideologically committed:
- He pledged to continue advocating for Hindutva values and serving his Goshamahal constituency, even outside the BJP’s fold.
- He asked BJP leadership to inform the Telangana Assembly Speaker that he should no longer be considered a party member—hinting at possible consequences under India’s anti-defection laws.
His statement echoed his assertion that his departure is from the party, not its core philosophy.
Broader Implications for the BJP
Raja Singh’s exit highlights a deeper rift in the BJP’s Telangana unit:
- The party’s choice of Ramchander Rao, an experienced former MLC with a strong organisational background, seems to favour stability—but may alienate grassroots firebrands like Singh.
- Analysts suggest this discord could undermine the BJP’s efforts to win its first state government in Telangana.
What’s Next?
As of now:
- BJP leaders including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay and state chief Kishan Reddy have urged Singh to reconsider, though he remains firm .
- Party HQ has not formally accepted his resignation—a decision that may decide whether a by-election is triggered for his Goshamahal seat.
- Singh’s future—whether as an independent or aligned with another faction—remains open, though he claims he will remain true to his ideological convictions.
Conclusion
Raja Singh’s dramatic exit is more than a personal protest—it showcases rising frustration among grassroots leaders who feel excluded from strategic decisions. As the BJP seeks to expand in southern India, balancing top-down control with local leadership aspirations may be its greatest challenge.