Hyderabad: The upcoming local body elections are shaping up to be a fierce political battle between the ruling Congress and the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Tensions began to escalate on Friday when BRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) made bold statements during a meeting with his party leaders at his farmhouse.
KCR, known for his fiery rhetoric, claimed that he had been closely monitoring the Congress government’s performance. He declared it was time to deliver a “strong punch” to the ruling party, accusing them of failing on all fronts during their over one-year tenure. According to KCR, the public had lost faith in Congress and would never vote for them again.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy swiftly responded to KCR’s remarks during a public meeting in Mogiligidda. In a sharp rebuttal, Revanth mocked KCR, saying that someone who “cannot stand without the support of a stick” was now threatening to deliver a blow to Congress. He further likened KCR to the outdated Rs 1,000 note, claiming he was “no longer in circulation.”
Revanth also ridiculed KCR’s focus on social media popularity. He found it laughable that a two-term Chief Minister and former Union Minister would boast about social media likes instead of addressing pressing political issues.
The Chief Minister criticized KCR’s track record, pointing out that KCR, during his time as Leader of the Opposition, rarely attended Assembly sessions. Revanth challenged him to attend the upcoming Assembly session on February 6, where the Congress government plans to present the caste census report. He promised to share comprehensive details of government schemes, including the names and benefits provided to beneficiaries.
Revanth further highlighted KCR’s recent political setbacks, accusing him of losing power in December 2023, forfeiting deposits in June 2024, and now “losing his mind.” He alleged that KCR had isolated himself at his farmhouse and was spreading false information.
The Chief Minister took the opportunity to showcase the Congress government’s achievements. He emphasized efforts to revive Telangana’s economy, repay inherited debts, and fulfill major poll promises. These initiatives include Rythu Bharosa, loan waivers, free bus travel for women, fee reimbursement, subsidized gas cylinders at Rs 500, and free electricity for farmers.
Revanth revealed that the government had already deposited Rs 21,000 crore into farmers’ bank accounts for loan waivers, benefiting 25.50 lakh farmers. He further assured that an additional Rs 6,000 per acre would be provided by March 31.
In contrast, Revanth accused the previous KCR-led government of failing to deliver on financial promises. He cited unfulfilled commitments, such as the Rs 100 crore pledge to Jahangir Peer Dargah and Vemulawada, which was never released.
