Hyderabad, Sep 8: KTR detained, alleges police escort for Congress supporters towards KCR’s residence; calls alleged manhandling of former ministers a “Dushasana episode”
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Telangana, alleging a “criminal mindset” behind the alleged manhandling of former ministers and BRS leaders Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sunitha Lakshma Reddy.
Addressing the media at Boinpally Police Station , KTR said it was the “misfortune of the people of Telangana” that a Chief Minister with a “criminal mindset” had come to power. He alleged that the two former ministers were subjected to an “extremely despicable attack” and accused the police of surrounding, dragging and manhandling the women leaders, including allegedly pulling their sarees. Calling it a “Dushasana episode,” KTR demanded that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Congress government apologise for the alleged humiliation of the women leaders and take strict action against those responsible.
Earlier in the day, KTR was detained by Telangana Police along with other BRS leaders amid tensions over their attempt to proceed towards former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s (KCR) residence at Erravelli. KTR alleged that while BRS leaders were being stopped, Congress workers and leaders were being allowed to move towards KCR’s residence under police escort. In a post on X, he questioned the Telangana police leadership over what he described as a “royal police escort” being provided to Congress supporters allegedly heading towards KCR’s residence. He alleged that the government and police machinery were paving the way for an attack on KCR’s residence and warned that they would be held responsible for any untoward incident.
KTR also expressed strong anger over alleged remarks by Congress MLAs wishing for KCR’s death. KTR also turned his attack towards the Congress manifesto and its electoral promises, describing it as the “biggest fraud of this century.” He questioned the government over what he described as its failure to implement its six guarantees and “420 promises.” KTR said people from SCs, STs, BCs and minority communities, as well as economically weaker sections, were still waiting for the implementation of the Congress promises.
KTR questioned the government over seven pending DA instalments for government employees and criticised the delay in implementing the Pay Revision Commission, alleging that the government had promised PRC implementation within six months but had failed to do so even after more than three years. He also raised concerns over retired employees and pensioners and demanded that the government address their pending issues. KTR further demanded a discussion on ₹12,000 crore in pending fee-reimbursement dues for students and issues relating to around one crore acres of land on the prohibited list.
On Krishna and Godavari river waters, KTR accused the Congress government of failing to protect Telangana’s interests. He alleged that the government’s handling of the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) was creating an opportunity for Telangana’s water to be diverted to Andhra Pradesh. KTR demanded that the government immediately announce a water-release schedule for Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut farmers.
Recalling the previous government’s handling of the reservoir, he said water had been supplied from Nagarjuna Sagar even when the water level was around 510 feet and questioned why water was not being released now despite the reservoir level being around 530 feet. He also demanded clarity on when the Kannepalli pumps would be switched on and when Kaleshwaram water would reach farmers, urging the government to set aside “petty politics” over Kaleshwaram and use the project in the interests of farmers.
KTR accused the Congress government of attempting to silence the Opposition by suspending and expelling BRS MLCs and objected to the arrest of two MLCs after SC/ST cases were registered against them. He said the BRS had “complete faith in democracy, the Constitution, the law and the judiciary,” while accusing the government of showing disrespect towards democratic institutions and the rule of law. KTR also accused the government of indulging in “petty politics” by using the Speaker as a shield to divert attention from its alleged failures. He said the MLC concerned had clarified that his remarks were not directed at the Speaker, withdrawn them and expressed regret if the Speaker was hurt.
Describing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s approach as “dictatorial”, KTR alleged that the police were being used to prevent BRS leaders from raising issues concerning the government’s performance. He warned that the BRS would continue to hold the Congress government accountable for the remaining 823 days of its tenure. KTR demanded that Revanth Reddy and the Congress government apologise for the alleged humiliation of Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sunitha Lakshma Reddy and called for strict action against those responsible.
