HYDERABAD: The Telangana state government, in a terse Government Order issued Tuesday, has fired Sujai Karampuri from his three posts as director (promotion) electronics, CEO of T-Works, and head of T-Fiber, after he refused to resign, insisting that he was not a political appointee. Mr Karampuri was well known in tech circles as the aide of a powerful BRS minister.
Mr S K Sharma will be replacing him and taking charge as head of Electronics and Digital wing, Mr Anand Rajgopal will replace him as CEO of T-Works, and Mr Kasula Anand will be the new head of T-Fiber.
While Mr Karumpudi argued that politics had no role in his refusal to quit and continue despite the logic of all politically-influenced appointments being co-terminus (you are in position as long as the person who appointed you also has his position), he was guilty of allowing T-Works facility and premises for being used for electoral purposes.
Former IT minister K. T. Rama Rao held a BRS election campaign purpose of having an interaction with youth at T-Works premises, of which Mr Karampudi was the CEO. BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao was later on sent a notice for violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Finally, the state government decided to fire the recalcitrant Mr Karampudi, from all three posts. After his being fired, the focus now shifts to other technocrats, who are clinging to their posts, including T-Hub CEO Mahankali Srinivas Rao and We-Hub CEO Deepthi Ravula.
When asked for a comment about the issue, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ms Ravula said, “it is premature to comment on many resignations happening from leadership at other corporations.”
She said she has not resigned and is currently continuing in her job as CEO at We-Hub. She also said she could not comment on “what the future holds”.
The government has made up its mind to axe all political appointees who will not resign, as per sources at a high level.
