HYDERABAD: Insinuating that the BRS and the BJP were working together to obstruct a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday alleged that BRS working president KT Rama Rao had attempted to stall the probe with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy tacitly supporting him by using his influence in the Union government.
As proof of this “tacit understanding”, Revanth cited the decision of the BRS to abstain from the Vice-Presidential election.
In an informal interaction with media persons in Delhi, Revanth also alleged that an “understanding” between BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and L&T led to financial losses, resulting in difficulties arising during the second phase of Metro Rail works.
He said he had raised the Metro project with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who suggested discussions with L&T. “There is no proposal from L&T to withdraw from the project. Yet BRS and BJP leaders are spreading misinformation to defame the state government,” the chief minister said.
He recalled that the BJP had mentioned a CBI probe into Kaleshwaram in its manifesto and had demanded an inquiry. “Why is Kishan Reddy not taking the initiative to approach the Centre to register a CBI case?” the chief minister asked.
He alleged that the BJP was following the directions of Rama Rao and was trying to “give oxygen” to the pink party, which he alleged was responsible for urea shortages in Telangana.
Ready to provide CBI access to all documents related to KLIS: Revanth
Revanth said the state government was ready to provide all documents on the Kaleshwaram project and would fully cooperate with a CBI inquiry. He said the probe should cover the project from its inception.
He further alleged that Rama Rao and T Harish Rao had explored merging their party with the BJP, and that MLC
K Kavitha had spoken of these attempts at a recent press meet. On Kavitha, he remarked that she was not being supported by him but was being targeted by members of her own family. “This is a family matter, a fight over assets and power. The people of Telangana have rejected K Chandrasekhar Rao’s family,” he said.
Revanth also responded to criticism from Rama Rao over his meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He questioned the BRS leader’s own meeting with AP minister
N Lokesh. “There is no issue in political leaders meeting one another. Why question my meeting when he himself met Lokesh?” he asked.
On the issue of disqualification petitions, Revanth said that Harish Rao had stated in the Assembly that the BRS had 37 MLAs, while Rama Rao claimed outside the House that the party had 27. “It is for the Speaker to decide on these petitions. I have no role or powers in the matter,” he said.
He clarified that presenting party scarves to individuals did not imply defection. “BRS MLAs themselves are declaring they belong to the BRS and are contributing Rs 5,000 per month to their legislative party office. The matter is before the Speaker,” he said.
Revanth said that no decision had been taken on conducting local body elections as three bills related to 42% reservation were pending with the President, while related petitions were before the Supreme Court. “We are waiting for the judgment. Based on advice from legal experts, we will decide how to proceed,” he said.
He accused the Centre of using the fertiliser issue for political purposes, saying Telangana required nine lakh metric tonnes of urea but still faced a shortage of two lakh tonnes. “The BJP and BRS are jointly responsible for this,” he said.
On Maoist peace talks, Revanth asked why the Union government could negotiate with terrorists but not with Maoists willing to surrender. “If they are ready to join the mainstream, why should discussions not be held?” he asked.
He also reviewed recent drug cases, saying the Congress government had created a dedicated “Eagle Team” to counter the drug trade. He claimed the Maharashtra police bust involved a company established during the BRS regime, with links to operations in Goa, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Revanth also criticised political strategist Prashant Kishor. “He says he will campaign in Bihar once elections are notified. Why not campaign in the northern states instead of looking to the south?” he asked.
He recalled alleging “vote theft” in 2018, saying that 50 lakh votes were deleted across the state, including 50,000 in his Kodangal constituency.
He reiterated that a minority leader would be included in the Cabinet, though details on timing and choice of leader had not yet been decided.