The Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s (BRS)’s plans to foray outside Telangana appear to be facing a crisis, as prominent Odisha leaders who had joined the party earlier this year have since come to express disillusionment.
Seeking to expand its national footprint, the BRS had begun to scout for leaders in Odisha in the latter half of 2022. After a series of parleys, Giridhar Gamang, former Odisha Chief Minister and eight-time Member of Parliament, and his family members were the first ones to be roped in. Jayaram Pangi, former MP and formidable tribal leader, too had joined the BRS.
Leaders and activists were flown to Hyderabad in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in January 2023. Back in Odisha, the new entrants appeared enthusiastic about the BRS’ prospects in the State, especially in the southern pockets.
