Election Commission Issues Notice to K. Kavitha Over Party Name Controversy

K. Kavitha has come under scrutiny from the Election Commission of India (ECI) over her proposed party name 'TRS', following numerous complaints regarding its similarity to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Despite changing the name to 'Telangana Raksha Sena', Kavitha faces ongoing challenges and may consider legal action. This controversy has ignited political discussions in Telangana, with opposition parties criticizing her while supporters believe the issue will be resolved through legal means. Kavitha's commitment to the new party includes promises of significant reservations for OBC communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 15:37 IST

Notice Issued by Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to K. Kavitha following objections regarding the proposed name of her party, 'TRS'. This action was taken on July 4 after the commission received over 1,100 complaints. One of the complaints was reportedly filed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), citing similarities between Kavitha's proposed party name and the existing identity of BRS. Initially, Kavitha announced her new political party would be called 'Telangana Rashtra Sena' (TRS). However, the ECI advised her to select a different name to avoid confusion with the former 'Telangana Rashtra Samiti' (TRS), which was later renamed 'Bharat Rashtra Samiti' (BRS).

Change of Party Name

In compliance with the ECI's advice, Kavitha changed the party's name to 'Telangana Raksha Sena'. Despite this change, she received notices due to the numerous complaints regarding the initially proposed name. Sources indicate that Kavitha is unwilling to accept the ECI's stance and may pursue legal action instead of adhering to the commission's recommendations. This controversy has sparked political debates in Telangana; opposition parties are labeling it as an embarrassment for Kavitha, while her supporters assert that the matter will be resolved legally.

Official Approval of New Party Name

In April, the Election Commission officially granted the name 'Telangana Raksha Sena' (TRS) to Kavitha's new political party. Chief Election Commissioner Gyan Kumar confirmed this approval. At the time of the party's launch, Kavitha had announced 'Telangana Rashtra Sena' as the proposed name, but the ECI approved 'Telangana Raksha Sena', allowing the TRS acronym to remain intact. Her father, K. Chandrashekar Rao, originally founded the 'Telangana Rashtra Samiti' (TRS), which was later renamed 'Bharat Rashtra Samiti' (BRS).

Launch of the New Party

Kavitha launched her party on April 25 at the Advaik Convention in Medchal, seven months after leaving the BRS. She expressed her desire to retain the 'TRS' name, stating that they have dedicated their entire lives to this name. She emphasized that they have invested 20 years of hard work to make TRS a successful party and have achieved the formation of Telangana state. Criticizing her former party BRS and the ruling Congress party, Kavitha claimed that the hopes of Telangana's youth and farmers have not been fulfilled. She promised that the new TRS would work towards ensuring 50 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities.