Telangana Jagruthi president Kalvakuntla Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, appears to be trying to gain a new political identity after exiting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Political observers, who have been watching her over the years, say that Kavitha’s recent public appearances; with traditional attire, prominent bindi, and assertive body language; have sparked comparisons to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
They believe Kavitha is consciously reshaping her public image as a strong and independent woman leader, symbolizing empowerment and regional pride.
Through her “Jagruti Janam Baata Yatra,” she has been foregrounding issues of women’s empowerment and political representation for Backward Classes (BCs), signaling a strategic repositioning.
Analysts say Kavitha’s “visual politics”; from attire to demeanour; reflect a deliberate attempt to create emotional resonance among women voters.
“Jayalalithaa used her distinctive style to become an icon of strength and resilience. Kavitha seems to be employing similar tactics to project herself as a mass leader,” a political analyst observed.
While some see this as image reinvention, others view it as part of a deeper social agenda.
“She is no longer limiting herself to optics. By focusing on BC empowerment, she’s trying to channel grassroots aspirations and build a fresh political base beyond her father’s shadow,” analysts noted.
Kavitha’s earlier campaign for women’s reservation had already given her visibility at the national level.
Now, by integrating gender and caste empowerment themes, she seems to be preparing for a long-term political comeback; possibly through a new political outfit of her own.
However, experts caution that symbolic resemblance to Jayalalithaa alone cannot secure mass appeal.
“To achieve real leadership stature, Kavitha must connect directly with rural voters, address their issues, and offer tangible solutions,” said a senior political commentator.
Despite that, few deny the growing buzz around her political makeover.
As one observer put it: “Her new look and messaging unmistakably evoke Jayalalithaa’s charisma. Whether it translates into mass support will depend on how well she blends image with substance.”
