Revanth Questions KTR's Objection to Stir for Naidu

HYDERABAD: TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy strongly criticised BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao for his statement refusing permission for protests or rallies in Hyderabad or Telangana against the arrest of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. Revanth emphasised that it is the fundamental right of citizens to protest anywhere in the country and questioned Rama Rao's authority to deny permission based on the issue's connection to Andhra Pradesh.

Revanth Reddy argued that AP-origin people in Hyderabad have voting rights, pay taxes to the government, and therefore have every right to protest on issues that concern them. He pointed out that during the Telangana statehood agitation, NRIs from Telangana held rallies in support of Telangana near the White House in the US, and they were not denied permission based on the issue's connection to India.

He dismissed Rama Rao's claims that allowing protests would lead to law and order problems in Hyderabad, stating that it is the responsibility of the state government and the police department to maintain law and order. Revanth suggested that authorities could take undertakings from protesters to hold peaceful rallies and impose penalties if they violated this agreement.

Regarding ticket allotment for Congress candidates in the upcoming polls, Revanth mentioned that the party's high command is open to exempting the 'one family-one ticket' norm on a case-by-case basis, depending on the candidates' potential to win. He cited the example of Malkajgiri MLA Mynampally Hanumantha Rao, who requested a ticket for his son Rohith, and the high command agreed to this request.

In response to demands from OBC leaders within Congress for quota representation in ticket allotment for Assembly polls, Revanth assured that the party is committed to providing adequate representation for OBCs, SCs, and STs. He also stated that the Central Election Committee (CEC) will meet soon to finalise candidates for the Telangana state Assembly polls, and the lists will be announced in phases.