Harish Rao Condemns Arrest of Padi Kaushik Reddy, Slams Congress Government for Undermining Democracy
Harish Rao, senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and a prominent Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), has sharply criticized the arrest of Huzurabad MLA and BRS leader Padi Kaushik Reddy, calling it an unlawful and politically motivated action. In a statement released via the social media platform X, Harish Rao condemned the arrest, questioning the legitimacy of the move and accusing the government of political vendetta.
He raised pertinent concerns, asking, “Is this how you treat a legislator from another party who raises questions?” Harish Rao’s strong stance reflects a growing frustration within the BRS over what it sees as an increasing pattern of intimidation by the Congress government in Telangana.
According to Harish Rao, Telangana, which remained relatively peaceful during the decade-long leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has now become a focal point for vindictive political practices under the 13-month rule of the Congress party. He highlighted the rising trend of illegal cases being filed against elected representatives for merely questioning the government’s actions. Furthermore, he criticized the increasing incidents of party offices being attacked when opposition voices dare to express dissent.
“This is disgraceful,” Harish Rao said, condemning the use of force against elected representatives and political offices. His remarks reflect deep concern about the erosion of political freedoms and the growing suppression of opposition voices in the state.
In his statement, Harish Rao directed his criticism at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of abandoning governance in favor of harassing political opponents. He specifically pointed out that Revanth Reddy’s administration seemed to be more focused on silencing the opposition rather than fulfilling the promises made to the people, including the implementation of the six guarantees touted during the election campaign.
Harish Rao also questioned the government’s broader approach, rhetorically asking, “Is this the definition of Indira’s rule—filing cases for questioning, attacks for raising concerns, and arrests for asking questions?” He drew parallels between the current political climate in Telangana and the emergency rule imposed in India during the 1970s, suggesting that the Congress-led government was undermining the very democratic principles it had vowed to protect.
The BRS leader also emphasized that his party would not be deterred by what he termed as attempts at suppression, coercion, and intimidation. “We will continue to question you at every step in the public domain and will relentlessly fight on behalf of the people,” Harish Rao declared, underlining the BRS’s commitment to holding the government accountable.
Harish Rao demanded the immediate release of MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, calling the arrest both illegal and unjust. He asserted that the BRS would not back down in its pursuit of justice and would continue to challenge the actions of the state government in both the political and public spheres.
This sharp condemnation of the Congress government and its actions against opposition leaders signals a growing political tension in Telangana, with the BRS standing firm in its resistance to what it perceives as authoritarian tactics and political repression.
