KTR challenges CM Revanth to open debate on Hyderabad development

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao has challenged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to an open debate on Hyderabad’s development under the current government versus the previous BRS regime.

He accused the CM of using “mean language” during the Jubilee Hills bypoll campaign, claiming it stemmed from “fear of an imminent defeat”. Mr.Rama Rao added that despite the provocation, the BRS would not use such language, purely out of respect for the office of the Chief Minister.

The BRS leader released the ‘Jubilee Hills Progress Report at the party’ State headquarters on Wednesday, saying it was intended to show voters the development undertaken during the previous BRS government.

At the event, he accused the Congress government of failing Hyderabad during its two-year rule so far. “If Revanth Reddy has the courage, he should fix the date, time and place. Be it the Command Control Centre, Gandhi Bhavan, or even the Assembly — we are ready,” Mr.Rama Rao said.

Listing the achievements of the BRS regime, he highlighted the construction of 42 flyovers, several underpasses and improvements to sanitation. He also claimed that the BRS government built a large number of double-bedroom houses, contrasting these with what he termed “Congress’ inaction.”

He also accused the present government of halting or reversing many projects, allowing potholes, water-tanker dependence and rising crime rates to blight the city.

The former minister reminded the crowd that Hyderabad metro rail and several other city-shaping projects were initiated under the BRS regime even as he accused the present government of demolishing thousands of houses through HYDRAA without offering replacement housing.

On corruption allegations against him in the Formula E case, Mr.Rama Rao also refuted allegations levelled by the Chief Minister. “Whoever is a thief will be exposed,” he said, challenging the CM to a public accountability face-off.

On communal and political rhetoric, he accused the Congress and BJP of forming an unprincipled alliance in Telangana and criticised remarks of some leaders which, he said, were offensive to the minorities.

He demanded that Mr.Revanth Reddy apologise for statements that ”demeaned” certain communities, failing which people will ”decide the consequences” at the ballot box. He also accused the State government of failing to the check drug menace.