The political stage in Telangana is heating up as BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) emerges seemingly unscathed after a six-hour grilling by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The probe revolves around alleged improprieties in the Formula E Race event—a case KTR has dismissed as the brainchild of his political nemesis, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. With his characteristic composure and sharp wit, KTR has turned what could have been a political quagmire into an opportunity to showcase his confidence and rhetoric.
Emerging from the ACB office, KTR appeared more amused than harried, ready to tackle the media frenzy. “I asked the officials how instructing the Municipal Administration Department (MAD) Chief Arvind Kumar to pay Rs. 55 crore to the event organizers could be construed as a bribe,” KTR quipped. He highlighted that the organizers had confirmed receiving the payment, effectively questioning the logic of the allegations. His tone suggested not just confidence but also a thinly veiled jab at the competence of both his interrogators and detractors.
In his interactions with the ACB, KTR reportedly dismantled their line of questioning, which he claims was scripted by Revanth Reddy himself. He argued that there were no procedural lapses and that any oral instructions given were aimed at facilitating a landmark event for Telangana—not enriching anyone personally. KTR’s defense underscores a simple point: even if oral directives were issued, they would still require formal ratification, making accusations of corruption tenuous at best.
The controversy centers around the Formula E Race, a marquee event in the world of electric car racing, held in major global cities like London, Berlin, and Beijing. In February 2023, Hyderabad became the first Indian city to host this prestigious event, a feather in the cap of the then BRS government. KTR positioned the race as part of the state’s E-Mobility Week, aiming to bolster Hyderabad’s image as a hub for sustainability and innovation. The event drew over 35,000 spectators, including international visitors, and generated an estimated Rs. 700 crore in revenue through hospitality, tourism, and advertising—a significant boost to the state’s economy and global reputation.
However, the Congress government, now in power, has accused KTR of corruption amounting to Rs. 600 crore in connection with the race. They allege procedural violations and claim that the event imposed an undue financial burden on the state exchequer. The ACB’s case implicates not only KTR but also senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar.
KTR, for his part, has vehemently denied the allegations, branding them as baseless and politically motivated. He maintains that hosting the Formula E Race was a lawful decision aimed at elevating Hyderabad’s global profile. By framing the accusations as a desperate ploy by Revanth Reddy to tarnish his image, KTR has adeptly shifted the narrative.
While the Congress government appears intent on pursuing the case, KTR’s poise and command over the narrative suggest he’s already won the first round. Whether the allegations will stick or fade into the annals of political mudslinging remains to be seen. For now, KTR has managed to transform the controversy into a showcase of his political acumen, leaving his rivals scrambling to keep up.
