Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is now Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The name change was announced by party president and Telangana Chief Minister president K Chandrasekhar Rao in Hyderabad on Wednesday, thereby heralding his foray into national politics.
Rao read out the resolution in this effect which was passed at the party's general body meeting held at 1 pm. He then announced that the party's general body meeting unanimously resolved to change the name from TRS to BRS.
Hundreds of party workers, who thronged the venue, burst into celebration soon after the name change was announced. They hailed Rao as a national leader and chanted "Desh ke neta KCR," "Dear India he is coming", and "KCR is on the way."
The party also apprised the Election Commission of the change as per the Representation of the People Act. A representative will also meet the Commission official on October 6.
Earlier the day, Rao hosted special guests for breakfast at Pragathi Bhavan, which included former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and other JD(S) leaders. Tamil Nadu's VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan was also present. Rao also performed puja on the occasion of Vijaya Dasami along with his family members at the Pragati Bhavan.
Rao, who is expected to speak about his future plans of the party soon, may field candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from several states.
According to a a JD(S) functionary, the new outfit would be a "conglomeration of various regional parties" fighting the BJP in their respective states. "The idea is to put up a united fight against the BJP. Basically, it’s a combination of various regional parties who want to rise above their political differences and come together," PTI quoted the JD(S) leader.
However, for the BRS to be deemed a national entity, it must have some presence in at least four states or has to win six per cent of the votes in any four states and four Lok Sabha seats. Or the party must win two per cent Lok Sabha seats in at least three states.
