Hyderabad- In an unexpected move, Telangana BSP Chief Dr. Repalla Shiv Praveen Kumar resigned from the party, announcing that he would decide on the future course of action soon. RS Praveen said that he would continue to fight for the Bahujan community.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he declared, “With a heavy heart, I have decided to leave the Bahujan Samaj Party. I don’t want the image of this great party to suffer because of recent decisions (no matter how well-informed they are) in Telangana under my leadership.”
Praveen's departure not only signifies a loss of leadership for the Bahujan Samaj Party but also casts a shadow over its strategic standing and electoral prospects.
As a former IPS officer with a strong grassroots connection and a visionary leader dedicated to the upliftment of the marginalized communities, Praveen's decision to step down underscores broader concerns within the party's internal dynamics and strategic direction.
Moreover, his departure may trigger a reevaluation of BSP's approach in Telangana politics, potentially impacting its ability to mobilize support and compete effectively in future elections. The ramifications of Praveen's resignation extend beyond the immediate fallout, posing a formidable challenge to BSP's organizational strength and political influence in the region.
The bureaucrat-turned-politician had undertaken the Bahujan Rajyadhikar Yatra throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh from 2022 to 2023 in many phases. RS Praveen Kumar had emerged as a glimmer of hope for the party, which had suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2022 Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh. However, RS Praveen Kumar’s massive hard work and dedication could not save his party, and the party drew a blank in the Assembly Elections held in December 2023, receiving only 1.5% votes, with Kumar himself losing from the Sirpur Assembly seat.
The elections had seen the Congress party taking over the state after a massive victory as the ruling BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) suffered a humiliating defeat. The meeting between RS Praveen Kumar and KC Rao, the former Chief Minister and BRS Chief, last week had triggered speculation of an alliance between the two parties. Dr. Praveen Kumar had confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that BSP would be contesting on two seats - Hyderabad and Nagarkurnool Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BRS would contest from the remaining 15 seats.
However, Praveen Kumar refrained from commenting anything against the BSP Supremo Mayawati and wrote, “I profusely thank the most honorable #Behenji @mayawati for trusting and guiding me all through. You continue to be my hero, #Behenji.” He also thanked Ramji Gautam, MP Rajya Sabha, stating, “I thank Sri Ramji Gautham ji, MP Rajya Sabha, for handholding me in this short journey through the world of Bahujan politics.”
According to sources familiar with the matter, BSP faced mounting pressure to dissolve its alliance. RS Praveen Kumar accused the BJP of orchestrating efforts to dismantle the alliance, particularly citing the arrest of K Kavitha, BRS MLC and daughter of K Chandrashekhar Rao, in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam.
The pressure intensified on BSP President Mayawati to sever ties with the alliance, prompting internal deliberations within the party. Close associates of Dr. Praveen Kumar revealed his apprehensions regarding BSP's standalone electoral viability, leading him to advocate for an alliance with the former ruling party of the state.
Born on November 23, 1967, in Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal district, RS Praveen Kumar is married to R Lakshmi Bai. Both of his parents were educators, with his sister pursuing a career in medicine and his brother in academia. Despite enduring poverty, humiliation, and societal discrimination during his childhood, Praveen Kumar credits his parents for instilling resilience in him.
He pursued his education at Harvard University and entered the Indian Police Service in 1995.
During his tenure as the secretary of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS), he oversaw the upliftment of the students belonging to marginalized communities.
In 2021, he announced his voluntary retirement from the IPS to engage in social work, perceiving the term 'Dalit' as emblematic of oppression.
He introduced the term 'SWAERO,' with 'SW' signifying social welfare and 'Aero' representing the sky. Praveen Kumar oversees approximately 300 social welfare residential educational institutions in Telangana, accommodating over 2.5 lakh students.
He spearheads the Swaro movement, dedicated to the empowerment of Scheduled Castes, facilitating admissions to prestigious educational institutions such as the IITs, IIMs, Azim Premji University, and Ashoka University for numerous students.
BAHUJANADU is a short film based on the life and works of Dr. RS Praveen Kumar. His supporters hope that the decision of RS Praveen Kumar will always be in favor of the Bahujans of Telangana.
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