Sriramulu announces new party — it’s BSR

B Sriramulu, on Friday, formally announced the formation of his political party — BSR. However, Sriramulu has not registered the new party with the Election Commission. What does BSR stand for? B Sriramulu? No, said Sriramulu, a close associate of mining baron and former minister G Janardhana Reddy. “Ours is Badavara, Shramikara, Raithara paksha. A party for the poor, working class and farmers,” he said.

The party-office would be inaugurated within next two days in Sadashivanagar. BSR would strive to empower Dalits, backward communities and minorities. It would work in close association with like-minded parties, he added.

Sriramulu visited his mentor Janardhana Reddy at Chanchalaguda jail in Hyderabad on Thursday to seek the latter’s blessings before launching the party. Sriramulu has claimed the support of 22 BJP MLAs and expressed confidence in emerging as a strong third political force in the state.  “Both national parties have failed to realise the aspirations of the people,” he said.

Though Sriramulu has claimed to chart his own course, sources said he is amenable for an alliance with the JD(S) with a spirit of ensuring mutual political dividends. An agreement may be reached with the JD(S) to lay a foundation for Sriramulu’s party in northern Karnataka, while the JD(S) would further consolidate its base in the old Mysore region, said sources.

Sriramulu sees an opportunity to emerge as a king-maker in alliance with former CM HD Kumaraswamy in the next elections.