KTR dials Kunamneni, BRS to back CPI for Mayor post

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a big move to reshape local governance in Telangana's coal belt, the Communist Party of India (CPI) is understood to have embraced an offer from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao to jointly claim the Mayor's position in the hung Kothagudem Municipal Corporation. This unexpected alliance aims to consolidate power and sideline the Congress and BJP, signaling a fresh chapter in coalition politics.

The election results left the 60-seat corporation in a deadlock: Congress and CPI each clinched 22 wards, BRS secured 8, independents and others grabbed 6, BJP one, and CPI(M) one. With no clear majority, KTR reached out directly to CPI MLA and senior leader Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao via phone, proposing BRS's unwavering support for CPI to form the ruling bloc. "If CPI wants to take over Kothagudem Corporation, we will back them fully," KTR declared, urging unity to "prevent Congress and BJP from gaining influence – we must come together for that."

Rao's response was unequivocal and positive: "As per KTR's proposal, CPI will consider partnering with BRS to secure the Mayor's post," sources said.