BRS Did Not Secure Expected Number of Seats: KTR

In the backdrop of the municipal election results , BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) held a media chit-chat on Saturday, where he launched sharp attacks on the Congress and the BJP while appreciating the efforts of BRS cadres.

KTR said the BRS had put up a “satisfactory fight” in the elections. “We expected to win 30 municipalities . However, we did not secure seats at the level we had anticipated,” he stated. He added that the Congress, too, was “not fully satisfied” with its performance. Praising party workers, he said they had fought hard to secure 17 municipalities and noted that the party still has opportunities in areas witnessing hung situations.

Criticising the BJP, KTR said he did not understand how the party was claiming a good performance. Compared to the previous elections, he pointed out, the BJP had secured fewer votes and fewer wards. Despite campaigning by national-level leaders, the BJP could not win even a single municipality, he remarked. He further observed that local issues dominate local body elections and that the ruling party generally enjoys favourable conditions.

KTR alleged that the influence of money was evident in the elections and accused the Congress of spending heavily. He said people remember the number of seats the Congress had won when it was in the opposition. He also referred to the results secured by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in the previous Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections.

On the issue of ex-officio members , KTR said the government lacked clarity and that officials were giving differing statements. Referring to the Formula E issue , he said it was being brought up again, though nothing new had emerged despite multiple rounds of questioning. “No matter how many inquiries are conducted, we will cooperate. We are not afraid to tell the truth,” he said. “Even if they send us to jail, we are not afraid.” He added that officials of the anti-corruption agency had already stated there was no evidence in the case.