Major Blow to Congress as Veteran Leaders Join BRS in Rajendranagar
A major political shift in Rajendranagar as veteran Congress leaders join BRS in the presence of KTR, signaling a boost for the party in Ranga Reddy.
The political landscape in the Rajendranagar constituency underwent a significant shift on Sunday as several prominent leaders from the Congress party officially defected to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The high-profile induction ceremony took place at the BRS office in Ranga Reddy district, held under the watchful eyes of BRS working president K T Rama Rao (KTR).
In a symbolic gesture of welcome, KTR draped the new members in pink scarves, marking their transition from the ruling Congress to the opposition BRS. The mass defection is being viewed as a substantial setback for the Congress, especially given that many of the joining leaders have been associated with the party for nearly three decades.
Key Figures Switching Sides
The influx of new members includes several individuals who held significant local influence. Among those who joined the BRS were:
- B. Sai Reddy: Former district Congress vice-president.
- B. Raju: Former MPTC member and Market Committee director.
- Yalala Naresh: Former Manikonda sarpanch.
- Papalal Singh: Former Puppalaguda MPTC member.
- Jaihind Rao: Former Manikonda sarpanch.
- Yalala Lavanya: Manikonda councillor.
The event saw the presence of heavyweights including former ministers Sabitha Indra Reddy, Jagadish Reddy, and Srinivas Goud, along with MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and MLC Naveen Reddy.
Sabitha Indra Reddy Slams Congress Governance
Speaking at the event, former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy expressed that the exodus was driven by a deep-seated belief in K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) as the "protector" of Telangana. She took sharp aim at the current Congress administration, suggesting that the state's development has stalled under their watch.
"Had KCR remained in power, the Metro Rail would have reached Shamshabad," she remarked, emphasizing that the people still hold KCR and KTR in high regard as visionary leaders. Rajendranagar in-charge Patlolla Karthik Reddy added that the Congress tenure is nearing its end, expressing confidence that the BRS would reclaim power across all 14 Assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district.
KTR Warns of Public Reaction to Repression
K T Rama Rao used the platform to launch a scathing attack on the Congress government, alleging that it is increasingly resorting to repressive tactics. He specifically pointed to recent restrictions on music and DJs in Hyderabad, criticizing the police for interfering in public celebrations.
"Even blades of grass can turn into crowbars when the situation demands," KTR warned, suggesting that excessive government repression could provoke a massive public backlash.
The BRS leader also touched upon several key developmental and administrative issues:
- Infrastructure Delays: KTR claimed the Congress government cancelled the tender for the Metro Rail project from Raidurg to Shamshabad, which had already been completed during the BRS tenure.
- Real Estate and Corruption: He alleged that the Congress government has damaged the real estate sector by demanding 30 per cent commissions.
- Musi River Project: He defended the BRS's vision for the Musi River, noting that a Rs 16,000-crore plan was in place and 32 sewage treatment plants had been established to protect the river.
- Housing and HYDRAA: KTR questioned the selective enforcement of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), asking why it has not targeted the properties of ruling-party leaders.
Concluding his address, KTR noted that widespread disappointment and frustration are brewing among various sections of society due to the perceived failures of the current government.