K.T. Rama Rao Criticizes Rajiv Gandhi Statue Installation, Calls for Accountability
Hyderabad: K.T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has condemned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for the installation of a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi near the state secretariat, claiming it is a ploy to curry favor with Congress leadership, particularly the Gandhi family. Rao labeled this act as an affront to the people of Telangana, stating that the statue was erected at the expense of a long-promised Telangana Thalli statue.
Rao announced that if the BRS regains power, they would remove the Rajiv Gandhi statue and relocate it to Gandhi Bhavan. He challenged the historical narrative surrounding Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to India’s technological advancements, asserting that it was the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Automatic Calculator (TIFRAC) that introduced computer services to the country in 1956, well before Gandhi’s political career began. “Rajiv Gandhi was just 12 years old then,” he noted.
Emphasizing the disrespect this decision shows toward Telangana’s identity, Rao urged Revanth Reddy to reconsider the installation, warning that neglecting the sentiments of the people could have political repercussions.
Rao further criticized Revanth Reddy for what he described as “diversionary tactics” that detract from the government’s promises, including the Congress’s commitments under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, which promised Rs 15,000 per acre for farmers, a pension of Rs 4,000, and the filling of two lakh job vacancies.
Additionally, Rao called for the immediate release of BRS student leaders who were arrested during protests against the statue’s installation, underscoring the need for effective governance over political distractions. His comments reflect the ongoing tensions between the BRS and Congress in the region as both parties prepare for upcoming political challenges.
