Hopeful health director not in BRS candidates' list

Hyderabad: Public health and family welfare director Dr G. Srinivasa Rao, who was hoping to inject himself into the BRS by projecting himself as a panacea for the party’s woes in the Kothagudem constituency, was at the receiving end of a bitter pill, being ignored by the ruling party.

Dr Rao’s efforts to ingratiate himself to the Chief Minister with several acts, including a full prostration at Chandrashekar Rao’s feet in full media glare at Pragati Bhavan, in the hope of earning a BRS ticket came to nought.

Incidentally, Dr Rao is not a full-fledged director of public health and family welfare. Since his appointment to the post, he has only been the incharge. Sources said that the BRS’ rejection could well spell tougher times ahead for him.

Dr Rao was also reported to have received a dressing down from top BRS leaders for making political comments, something that he hurriedly denied in a statement on Monday morning, claiming that he was working in the constituency on behalf of a foundation he launched for public service.

Dr Rao’s shenanigans, seen as part of his efforts to get a BRS party ticket, also came under fire from the Congress, which demanded his dismissal from the position. The medical fraternity also took a dim view of his political activities while heading a critical healthcare position in the state.

A senior health department official said: “We told him that it is not a movie ticket that can be bought in the black if not available at the counter and that he would have to quit and plunge into public service if he was serious about getting into politics. But he did not listen.”

In the end, the overdose of political enthusiasm on Dr Rao’s part could well see him requiring an IV drip just so he can keep his current job.