Name: Eatala Rajender
Political Affiliation: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Constituency: Malkajgiri, Telangana
Early Life and Education
- Date of Birth: Eatala Rajender was born on 20th September 1964 in Kamalapur, a village in the Karimnagar district of Telangana (then part of Andhra Pradesh).
- Family Background: He hails from an agricultural family and had a humble upbringing.
- Education: Rajender holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (B.Com.). He pursued his education at Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he also developed his early interest in student politics and activism.
Early Political Career
Eatala Rajender’s political journey began during his student days at Osmania University, where he was involved in the Telangana movement for a separate state. He emerged as a prominent student leader and started gaining recognition for his organizational skills and advocacy for social justice.
Entry into Politics
Rajender joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) led by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), actively participating in the fight for a separate Telangana state. His commitment to the cause earned him an influential position within the TRS.
Legislative Career
- 2004: Eatala Rajender contested and won his first election in the 2004 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections from the Huzurabad constituency in Karimnagar district as a TRS candidate.
- 2009 & 2014: He continued to win from the Huzurabad constituency in subsequent elections (2009 and 2014), maintaining a strong presence in the region.
- 2019: Rajender was re-elected to the Telangana Assembly from Huzurabad after the formation of Telangana as a separate state. He also served as the Finance Minister in the KCR-led TRS government during this period. He was instrumental in presenting the state’s budget and managing the finances of the newly formed Telangana state.
Role in Telangana Movement
Eatala Rajender played a key role in the Telangana statehood movement. His contributions were significant, especially during critical phases of the movement, where he was involved in mobilizing people and organizing protests. He was known for his speeches and activism, which resonated with the aspirations of the people of Telangana.
Ministerial Positions
- Finance Minister (2014–2018): After the formation of Telangana in 2014, Rajender was appointed as the Finance Minister in the first Telangana cabinet led by KCR. He handled the finance portfolio and was responsible for presenting the first budget of the newly formed state.
- Health Minister (2019–2021): In the second term of the TRS government, he served as the Health Minister of Telangana until 2021. During his tenure, he worked on several healthcare initiatives, including handling the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exit from TRS and Joining the BJP
In 2021, Eatala Rajender had a fallout with KCR over allegations of land encroachment, which he denied. This led to his resignation from the TRS and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Following his resignation, Rajender joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in June 2021.
- Huzurabad By-Election Victory (2021): After joining the BJP, he contested the Huzurabad by-election in 2021 and won, defeating the TRS candidate, thus marking his successful entry into the BJP. This victory was seen as a significant moment in Telangana politics, especially for the BJP.
2024 Malkajgiri Constituency
In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, Eatala Rajender is now focused on the Malkajgiri constituency, one of the largest parliamentary constituencies in Telangana. His move to this key constituency is expected to play a crucial role in the BJP’s expansion efforts in Telangana.
Personal Life
- Family: Eatala Rajender is married and has children. He maintains a strong connection with his agricultural roots and is known for his down-to-earth personality.
Contributions and Influence
Eatala Rajender is considered a key figure in Telangana politics due to his active involvement in the statehood movement and his administrative roles in the TRS government. His shift to the BJP represents a significant political realignment, and he is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the region.