Tummala not to back KT Rama Rao as nominated CM

Hyderabad: Roads minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Friday created a stir stating that he did not support family rule in politics. He said he would stand by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao but not back his son, minister K.T. Rama Rao, for the CM’s post if the situation arose.

He said, “I will stand by K. Chandrasekhar Rao and the party.” On family rule in politics, he said, “No...I will not support it. I don’t support family rule including from my family. Where is the question of my supporting others?”

Asked whether he would not support Mr Rama Rao for the CM’s post, he said, “I don’t support family legacy in politics.” He added that no one could stop someone from climbing up the ladder if they had the mettle, including Mr Rama Rao.

Mr Nageswara Rao, fielded by TRS for the Palair bypolls, was speaking to a regional channel. A close associate of the CM from his Telugu Desam days, he was nominated as MLC and given the plum portfolio of roads and buildings.