Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate an investigation into what he termed as “rampant corruption” under the ruling Congress government in Telangana. Addressing party workers and media at a public meeting on Monday, KTR launched a scathing attack against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy-led Congress, alleging that multiple government departments and programmes have been turned into “money-making avenues” within months of coming to power.
KTR’s Direct Appeal To Union Home Minister
Speaking at the BRS headquarters in Hyderabad, KTR said:
“I urge the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a thorough probe into the massive corruption indulged in by the Congress government in Telangana. People are suffering because of their misgovernance and corrupt practices.”
He criticised the Congress for failing to deliver on electoral promises such as the implementation of the Six Guarantees Scheme in a time-bound manner. According to KTR, funds meant for welfare schemes are being diverted, while projects related to housing, irrigation, and health infrastructure have become hubs of illegal commissions.
Key Allegations Made By KTR
- Housing Scheme Irregularities
KTR alleged that under the housing programmes promised to the poor, “middlemen are demanding lakhs in bribes from eligible beneficiaries to get their applications processed.” - Irrigation Projects Kickbacks
The BRS leader accused the Congress government of engaging in kickbacks for clearing irrigation contracts, including ongoing projects under Mission Kakatiya and pending clearances in Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. - Contractor Lobby Influence
KTR claimed that top political functionaries are working closely with contractors and land developers to manipulate tendering processes for roads and civil works. - Delayed Farmer Welfare Payments
He criticised delays in disbursing Rythu Bandhu payments to farmers and claimed that bribes are being collected even in the processing of claims under crop insurance and input subsidy schemes.
BRS Plans Mass Campaign
The BRS announced plans to launch a statewide agitation campaign to highlight the “corrupt and anti-people policies” of the Congress government. Party insiders revealed that:
- District-level protests will be organised from next week.
- A massive rally is being planned in Hyderabad to “expose the government’s failures”.
- The party will submit representations to central agencies demanding an investigation.
Congress Rejects Allegations
In response, Telangana Congress leaders dismissed KTR’s allegations as “baseless, politically motivated, and an attempt to cover up BRS’ failures during its 10-year tenure.” Senior Congress spokespersons stated:
“BRS is rattled by the popularity of CM Revanth Reddy and the swift implementation of welfare schemes. Their leader KTR is making wild allegations to divert public attention from ongoing corruption probes against former ministers.”
Political Context: BRS Vs Congress
The sharp escalation of charges between BRS and Congress comes amid intense political competition ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Telangana. After being defeated by Congress in the Assembly polls, BRS is now focusing on rebuilding its mass base by accusing the ruling party of betrayal and corruption.
BRS’ Demand For Central Intervention
KTR’s direct appeal to Home Minister Amit Shah is being viewed as an effort to bring the Centre into the Telangana political narrative. Analysts note that:
- The BRS aims to create an impression that only a central probe can uncover the “truth” behind alleged scams.
- This tactic could place pressure on the Congress government to release white papers on finances and welfare implementation to counter the allegations.
Previous Allegations And Central Responses
This is not the first time BRS has demanded central intervention:
- During its tenure, BRS faced ED and CBI probes into liquor, mining, and land allotment cases.
- KTR and former CM K Chandrashekar Rao had earlier criticised such investigations as politically motivated.
- Now, BRS is using the same route to target the Congress government.
Public Sentiment And Implications
Public reactions in Telangana remain mixed:
- Sections of farmers and welfare beneficiaries have expressed dissatisfaction over delays in payment disbursals, supporting BRS claims to an extent.
- However, Congress continues to receive support for implementing power subsidy schemes and initiating large-scale job notifications in health, police, and education sectors within six months of coming to power.
Experts’ Views
Political analysts believe that:
- KTR’s strategy is aimed at consolidating BRS cadres demoralised after the Assembly defeat.
- Congress’ counter strategy is to maintain focus on flagship welfare schemes to neutralise BRS criticism.
- Central government’s stance will be crucial, as any CBI or ED probe could alter Telangana’s political dynamics significantly ahead of municipal polls and Lok Sabha bypolls.
Way Forward
The Telangana political scenario is expected to intensify in the coming months as:
- BRS escalates its agitation with public rallies.
- Congress prepares to counter these allegations by showcasing welfare achievements and announcing further guarantees.
- BJP monitors the ground situation to position itself strategically for the upcoming elections.
Final Thoughts
KT Rama Rao’s direct appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to probe alleged graft under the Congress government has added a new dimension to Telangana politics. Whether the Centre initiates an investigation remains to be seen, but the BRS has clearly indicated that corruption will be its central electoral plank against Congress in the days ahead.
