Hyderabad witnessed a sharp political attack on Saturday as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao launched a scathing critique against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. KTR warned that while the CM might enjoy playing football at his leisure, it would be the people of Telangana who would ultimately "play football" with him over his government's perceived failures, betrayals, and arrogance.
Allegations of Secret Pact and Governance Failures
Addressing the media at the Telangana Bhavan, KTR accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of indulging in political theatrics and personal stunts. He asserted that the public would be the final judge of the Congress leader's future. The BRS stalwart made a significant allegation, claiming a deep, covert understanding exists between the Congress and the BJP at the national level.
"Why did Revanth Reddy attend the housewarming ceremony of a BJP MP in Delhi?" KTR questioned, pointing to this as evidence of the clandestine rapport. He further alleged that the BJP was shielding the Telangana CM despite serious corruption allegations, and that the state Congress had become an 'ATM' for power centres in Delhi. He highlighted the Enforcement Directorate's raids and the subsequent government inaction as proof of this "unholy alliance."
Policy Instability and Investor Exodus
KTR trained his guns on the Congress government's economic management, blaming it for policy instability that is driving investors out of Telangana. He claimed that due to a climate of fear and policy confusion, businesses are shifting to neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh.
Citing the example of pharmaceutical companies relocating to Kurnool, he blamed the state government's reckless decisions, including the cancellation of the Pharma City project, which were taken without public consultation. He also criticized the government for selectively ignoring environmental norms and staging 'dramas' even after being reprimanded by tribunals. "The Congress has reduced governance to mere name-changing and creating chaos," he alleged.
Betrayal of Backward Classes and Defection Politics
On the sensitive issue of reservations, KTR accused the Congress of committing a clear and unforgivable betrayal of the Backward Classes (BCs). He recalled the party's promise of 42% reservations for BCs in local body polls, which was allegedly reduced to just 17% at the time of elections. "This is nothing but deception," he stated, adding that Revanth Reddy had no moral authority to lecture others on BC representation.
KTR also mocked the 'turncoat' MLAs who defected to the Congress, suggesting they pretend to still belong to the BRS while sitting in Congress offices. He challenged CM Reddy to prove his moral courage by making the ten defected MLAs resign and face by-polls.
BRS's Future Strategy and People's Movement
Outlining the future course for his party, KTR announced that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) would soon lead a people-centric movement. He revealed that KCR would provide clear direction to the party cadres at a crucial state-level meeting scheduled for December 21. Following this meeting, the BRS plans to intensify its public engagement, including launching a massive membership drive to reconnect with the electorate.
The BRS leader's comprehensive attack sets the stage for a heated political battle in Telangana, with the party aiming to capitalize on public discontent and position itself as the principal opposition against the Congress government's policies.
