In a sharp rebuttal to TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) emphasized the significance of Telangana’s 13 years of statehood. Speaking in Hyderabad, KTR expressed a desire for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to thrive, urging Devarayalu to engage in constructive dialogue. “I hope our brother Krishna Devarayalu speaks positively. We need to put an end to the lamenting over Telangana,” he stated.
The remarks came in response to Devarayalu’s comments in the Lok Sabha, where he labeled February 14, 2014, as a ‘black day’ for Telangana. Devarayalu’s criticism sparked a strong reaction from KTR, who questioned the rationale behind such sentiments and asked, “What less has KCR done for Sri Harikota?” This reference to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao underscored the achievements of the Telangana government in the past decade.
KTR further addressed allegations of party defections, asserting that no Speaker in India’s history has made such controversial decisions as those he attributed to Congress. He pointed out that the Congress party initiated the trend of defections back in 2004 when they poached ten BRS MLAs. “Kadiyam Srihari was made Deputy Chief Minister and given an MP and MLC position by KCR. What more has KCR done for Srihari? Is he even speaking with sense?” KTR questioned, expressing his discontent over the current political climate.
In a further critique, KTR remarked on the reluctance of the Speaker’s office to provide a copy of the order concerning party defections, suggesting that if Congress had performed admirably in the last two and a half years, they should not fear facing elections. He also expressed respect for Speaker Gaddam Prasada Kumar, while simultaneously urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address the issue of party defections directly.
KTR’s comments reflect the ongoing tensions between the BRS and TDP, highlighting the political dynamics that have evolved since the formation of Telangana. The BRS leader’s call for unity and constructive dialogue signals a desire to move beyond partisan conflicts and focus on the development of both states.
As the political landscape continues to shift, KTR’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The response from Devarayalu and other TDP leaders will likely shape the discourse as both parties navigate their positions in the coming months.
