Sun Jan 26 00:05:56 UTC 2025: ## Karimnagar Mayor Defects to BJP, Jolting BRS
**Karimnagar, Telangana –** The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) suffered a setback in its Karimnagar stronghold with the defection of Mayor Y. Sunil Rao to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rao, along with two BRS corporators, joined the BJP on Saturday, just three days before the end of his mayoral term. The move was overseen by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
BRS city unit president Ch. Harishankar criticized Rao’s decision as politically opportunistic and a betrayal of the party leadership. However, Rao defended his actions, stating he joined the BJP to ensure continued development of Karimnagar, particularly under the Smart City Mission, citing Minister Kumar’s commitment to the city’s progress.
First Piper 