A day after Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan formally asserted the party’s intent to expand in Telangana, the party on Wednesday inducted a prominent public figure, Gadala Srinivasa Rao (GSR), as it seeks to build a stronger presence in the state. Rao, who previously served as Director of Public Health and Family Welfare in Telangana, joined the party at Kalyan’s residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. His induction comes at a time when Jana Sena is positioning itself to contest the 2029 Assembly elections and the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) polls.
Welcoming him into the party, Kalyan praised Rao’s administrative experience and highlighted his visibility during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he regularly addressed the public with updates and advisories.
Speaking after joining, Rao said he would work towards strengthening the party across Telangana and focus on public welfare, youth empowerment, women’s development, healthcare, and governance. He cited Kalyan’s leadership and vision for value-based politics as key reasons behind his decision.
Rao’s political trajectory, however, has drawn attention due to his earlier public association with K Chandrashekar Rao. In 2022, he came into the spotlight after a widely circulated video showed him touching the then chief minister’s feet at an official event marking the launch of medical colleges. The act drew criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, though Rao defended his gesture as an expression of gratitude.
In 2023, while still serving as a government official, he was reported to have sought a ticket from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for the Kothagudem constituency. His public political statements at the time, along with complaints from opposition parties, eventually led to scrutiny over alleged violations of service conduct rules.
Rao took voluntary retirement from service in August 2024, with the state government approving his request while noting that it was “without prejudice” to any ongoing disciplinary or financial proceedings.
His tenure as Director of Public Health was also marked by controversy. Apart from his prominent role during the pandemic, he faced criticism over remarks attributing Covid-19 control to religious factors, which drew objections from civil society groups.
Additionally, allegations related to administrative irregularities and financial misconduct were raised by various quarters, including watchdog organisations and audit authorities. These included claims regarding irregular deputation orders, financial discrepancies, and questions surrounding a private trust associated with him. Rao has not publicly accepted wrongdoing in these matters.
With his entry into Jana Sena, the party gains a figure with significant public recall, particularly from the pandemic period. However, his induction may also invite political debate, given his past affiliations and the controversies linked to his tenure.
The development signals Jana Sena’s intent to strengthen its organisational base in Telangana, as it prepares for upcoming electoral contests.
Follow us
