 "Newsmaker: K Chandrashekhar Rao")
K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR in local parlance) is chief minister (CM) of a state that is rated number one on 'Ease of doing business'. So, it might seem appropriate that he should reward himself by moving into a CM's bungalow in Hyderabad, Telangana, that is spread over 100,000 sq ft, cost upward of Rs 50 crore to build and reportedly has a bulletproof bathroom.
KCR is the sort of man who, in better days, might have been a model for the New Andhra Pradesh politician. He is clever, articulate and has intellectual clarity. He belongs to an intermediate caste called Velama — corresponding to Jats in North India. To give an idea of the caste in AP's social hierarchy, Velamas were kings in medieval India and are now rich landlords, with a presence in the districts of Warangal, Medak and Nizamabad.
He was in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and an MLA for four terms. In 1999, he was close to getting a ministership but was pipped to the post by fellow Velama, former Central Bureau of Investigation director Vijaya Rama Rao, who contested the 1999 elections and became an MLA.
KCR might not have taken up cudgels for formation of Telangana if he had become a minister. Anyhow, he left the TDP to form the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in 2001, ostensibly to right the wrongs done to Telangana all these years. It is a battle he fought hard and won. He has not looked back since. Investment is flowing into Telangana. The capital, Hyderabad, already well developed, has recovered from the setback of the Telangana movement and the state is growing fast.
KCR's family is his party — and his party is his family. The difference between his children and the heirs of other political dynasties is that his offspring are bright, well-spoken and sensitive. They are entitled but they know it.
However, those living in palaces need to go out there occasionally, slumming. It is to the TRS' advantage that there is no visible opposition in Telangana — but the thing about opposition is, it can emerge in a trice!
