The political landscape in Telangana has turned turbulent as the arrest of former state minister Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) seems increasingly imminent. With the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government granting the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) the green light to proceed with its probe, the spotlight is now on KTR—the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and son of former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).
Revanth Reddy’s cabinet decision aligns with his high-voltage election promise to crack down on corruption within KCR’s family. KCR himself faces allegations linked to the multi-crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, while his daughter, Kavitha, served jail time for her alleged involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy scam. Now, KTR finds himself under scrutiny for irregularities in organizing the Formula E Race held in Hyderabad in February 2023.
The ACB alleges that ₹55 crore was transferred to the event organizers on KTR’s verbal orders, bypassing crucial protocols. Notably, (a) The transfer lacked cabinet approval, (b) It occurred during the election notification period without Election Commission clearance., and (c) Payments, including taxes amounting to ₹9 crore, were made in foreign currency (pounds) without Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorization.
Former principal secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), Arvind Kumar, reportedly admitted to the irregularities, further strengthening the case against KTR. The ACB had earlier sought Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s approval to proceed with the investigation, which, according to reliable sources, has now been granted.
The Revanth Reddy government’s move puts the BRS leadership under immense pressure. Although speculation of KTR’s arrest had been rife since Diwali, the Congress government refrained from acting immediately. However, on November 7, KTR took a defiant stance, stating, “We welcome any inquiry. It is the Governor’s discretion, and I have no objection to a probe.”
For the BRS, the developments come at a time when its political options are shrinking. After a decade-long rule in Telangana, the party’s recent setbacks in state and national elections have curtailed its ambitions of emerging as a national force. Political analysts suggest that BRS is now exploring closer ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance.
Rumours have swirled about a potential BRS merger with the BJP or its formal entry into the NDA fold. Reports indicate that KCR is keen on bargaining for a Central cabinet berth while positioning KTR as a potential Chief Ministerial candidate for one term. However, BJP leadership, focusing on its Delhi Assembly election strategy, has put these negotiations on hold. The party’s recent victories in Haryana and Maharashtra further bolster its resolve to neutralize regional players like the BRS while advancing its “Congress-Mukt Bharat” agenda.
The possible arrest of KTR could create significant political ripples in Telangana. While the Congress aims to reinforce its anti-corruption narrative, its own vulnerabilities remain—particularly with the ‘cash-for-vote’ case hanging over Revanth Reddy’s head. The BJP, meanwhile, appears to be playing a waiting game, strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the turmoil.
For now, the Congress government’s probe against KTR signals a no-holds-barred approach to consolidating its hold in Telangana. Whether this move strengthens its credibility or triggers a political backlash remains to be seen. With BRS under siege, its future hinges on navigating this crisis while determining its role in the national political equation.
The arrest of KTR, if it materializes, will mark a pivotal moment in Telangana politics. It underscores the Congress’s efforts to target the previous regime’s alleged misdeeds while exposing the BRS to existential challenges. With BJP waiting in the wings, the coming months could reshape alliances and power dynamics in the state and beyond.
