Kavitha Plans Political Comeback with New Party

Fresh from her acquittal in the alleged Delhi liquor policy case, former Nizamabad MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha appears ready to turn a personal and political setback into a new beginning. After spending nearly six months in Tihar Jail, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader says the experience has strengthened her resolve and is now preparing to launch a new political party focused on what she calls “issue-based politics” and people-centric governance in Telangana.

In an interview with this Gawah, Kavitha said the court’s verdict restoring her freedom has also restored her confidence,  coming at a time when she was already planning the next phase of her political journey.

“This verdict has come at a crucial time. Justice has been delivered, and it gives me the confidence to move forward,” she said, while also thanking her family, Telangana Jagruthi Samithi party cadre, and sections of the media for standing by her during what she described as one of the most difficult phases of her life.

Kavitha also praised the judiciary for directing an inquiry into the investigating officer, calling the move unprecedented. “It is the first time that such a direction has been given against an investigating officer in a case like this. It shows the strength of the judicial system,” she said.

At the same time, she alleged that the accusations against her were politically motivated.

“The design of the BJP was to drag my name into the allegations,” she said. “When you talk about people, culture, and tehzeeb, and about issue-based politics, it does not suit certain forces. They do not want such conversations to happen.”

Kavitha also brushed aside speculation that she might reconcile politically with the family-led BRS. “We are a family, but our political agendas are miles apart,” she said, signalling a clear ideological and political distance from the party founded by her father and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

Her proposed political platform, she said, will focus on addressing people’s concerns in Telangana through a different style of politics –  one centred on development, social harmony, and policy-driven governance.

“I want to work on issues that directly impact people’s lives. Development and progress ultimately negate the culture of hatred,” she said.

Responding to a question on schemes for youth welfare and party’s objectives, Kavitha also raised concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on employment in Hyderabad’s IT-driven economy. “Hyderabad is largely a service-oriented city where IT contributes a major portion of the revenue. But is anyone thinking about the people who are losing jobs due to the AI revolution?” she asked.

“Many of them were taxpayers when they had jobs. Now they are unemployed. Are governments offering them any relief or tax benefits?” she added.

On the issue of what she termed “bulldozer politics,” Kavitha said such actions often disproportionately affect the poor. “Across states, bulldozers run over the homes of poor people,” she said.

Referring to the Musi riverfront project, she claimed that nearly 20,000 families were displaced and given compensation of only ₹15,000 to ₹20,000.

She also criticised the implementation of the BRS government’s flagship 2BHK dignity housing scheme, saying many residents face practical challenges.

“There are high-rise buildings where elderly residents struggle because lifts do not function properly. In some places, there is no water and no power supply,” she said. Kavitha said her time in jail allowed her to pause and reflect. 

“It gave me time to meditate, introspect, write, and read many books,” she said, adding that the experience made her stronger. Calling herself an “independent woman”, she said the allegations had taken a personal toll.

“My reputation was tarnished, and my personal life was affected. My family also went through a lot. But we have come out stronger,” she said.

Responding to whether her new party has safeguards to prevent ‘failures of BRS’ from repeating with her own party, she said, “The evolution of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), which later became BRS, led the party to change its original vision over time.

“TRS was founded with the welfare of the people of Telangana as its central goal. But after five years, priorities began to shift. Even the name and direction of the party changed,” she said.

“After becoming a national party, did it seriously contest in other states after losing in Telangana?” she asked.

With plans now underway for her own political platform, Kavitha says she wants to offer a different political alternative. “I want to serve the people in my own style,” she said.

“Politics must focus on development and real issues. That is the path I want to follow.”