Deputy CM Bhatti Says BRS Is Responsible Lagacharla Attacks
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has stated that the state government will consider “other legal options” if Governor Jishnu Dev Varma delays his approval for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to prosecute BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao in alleged financial irregularities related to the Formula E race.
While underscoring his trust in the Governor's office to facilitate the probe initiated by the ACB, Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that Rama Rao went to Delhi recently to secure the BJP’s support to evade his prosecution.
“What else did he go to Delhi for?” he asked, suggesting an agreement had been reached between the BJP and Rama Rao to influence voters in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. “Encouraging voters to avoid the Congress in Maharashtra is a tacit endorsement of the BJP,” he added.
Addressing a press conference at Secretariat on Wednesday, Bhatti Vikramarka expressed his disapproval of recent violent incidents targeting public servants, including the attack on a district collector in Lagcherla village in Vikarabad district.
He alleged that the BRS orchestrated these attacks using its workers under the guise of farmers, and accused the opposition party of conspiring to disrupt Telangana's development and investment climate.
"The state government will not tolerate such attacks," Bhatti Vikramarka stated. “No matter how influential they may be, we will take strict action under the law against those responsible.”
Bhatti Vikramarka also rebutted Rama Rao’s accusations on inflated Amrut project tenders, stating that the Congress government had reduced tender costs introduced under the previous BRS regime. He criticised BJP leaders for shedding “crocodile tears” over farmers, urging them to clarify their stance on the attack on public officials at Lagcherla village.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to a fair land acquisition process and a fair support package for displaced farmers.
“Our goal is to develop all sectors across Telangana, providing jobs and industrial growth,” Bhatti Vikramarka said. The Congress government, he explained, is focused on increasing state GDP, enhancing job opportunities, and providing incentives and skill training for unemployed youth.
He also accused the BRS of attempting to disrupt the state's industrial and economic growth through “provocative and divisive tactics.” He cited past instances, including during the Telangana statehood movement, when the party allegedly exploited weaker communities.