BRS working president K T Rama Rao has appointed former minister Koppula Eashwar as in-charge of the Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS), the powerful coal miners’ union — effectively sidelining his sister, MLC K Kavitha, who had long held sway over the organisation as its honorary president.
The decision, announced after a meeting chaired by KTR at Telangana Bhavan, is being viewed as a clear assertion of control within the party’s affiliated bodies.
Sources say the move was made without Kavitha’s input, despite her recent outreach to Singareni workers in a bid to strengthen her political base.
Koppula Eashwar, a founding member of TBGKS and a former coal worker himself, is seen as a strategic pick.
His elevation is being interpreted as part of KTR’s broader effort to consolidate influence and counter Kavitha’s rising involvement with the union.
Political observers say this latest development intensifies speculation of a growing rift between the siblings.
Some TBGKS leaders are reportedly reluctant to align with Kavitha, fearing they may be seen as siding with her in an internal power tussle.
KTR has assured full party backing for the TBGKS and has instructed union president Miryala Raji Reddy to coordinate with party MLAs and district leaders to rally support among coal workers.
A major mobilisation event in the coal belt region is expected soon under Eashwar’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Kavitha has announced a press conference, expected to address the sudden shift in TBGKS leadership.