Is firebrand Hindutwa icon Raja Singh planning to jump into the BRS bandwagon? Is he planning to ditch the BJP ahead of the 2023 assembly elections and contest on the BRS party ticket from his borough of Goshamahal? What explains his sudden and inexplicable meeting with BRS biggie and minister Harish Rao?
Raja Singh has been suspended from the party on the issue of insulting the religious icon dear to the Muslims. Despite his entreaties, the party has been lukewarm towards inducting him into the party. The party top leadership has so far not responded to his pleas for lifting the suspension. An angry Raja Singh is said to be planning to join the BRS and contest on its ticket.
Raja Singh is hugely popular in Goshamahal and has a solid vote bank of the loyal Lodha community, which predominantly lives in the constituency. However, will he be able to pursue his Hindutwa politics while in BRS? Will he get the support of the Hindutwa voters if he leaves the BJP?
However, his meeting Harish Rao has raised eyebrows. Though Raja Singh has said that he had met Harish Rao only to press for the upgradation of the local government hospital to 50-bed level, political observers believe there is more to it than meets the eye. Raja Singh said that he would remain in the BJP, but the rumour mill refuses to fall silent.