Harish Rao Accuses Congress Leaders of Spreading False Ritual Claims

Former minister and BRS MLA T. Harish Rao has accused Congress leaders Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar of spreading false claims that they had performed black magic rituals. He said he had approached the court with a defamation case against those responsible for making the allegations.

Speaking to reporters outside the Nampally public representatives’ court on Thursday, Harish Rao said the court had admitted his petition after he submitted evidence supporting his allegations. He said statements in the case would be recorded before the court next Wednesday.

Harish Rao said the claims that they had performed black magic after visiting temples reflected what he described as “low-level politics.” He said he would not respond to personal attacks in the same manner as his political opponents but made it clear that those spreading what he called false information would face legal action.

“No matter who they are, we will not spare them. We will go as far as necessary,” Harish Rao said.

Turning to broader political issues, Harish Rao alleged that the Congress government was filing cases against opposition leaders whenever they questioned it over public problems and electoral promises. He accused the government of using what he called diversionary politics to shift attention away from questions over the implementation of its election commitments.

He also alleged that several members were making false statements in the Telangana Assembly. According to him, notices seeking action for breach of privilege had been submitted to the Speaker but remained unattended. He questioned why the state had not appointed a Deputy Speaker even after three years and said several matters concerning the Privileges Committee were also pending.

Harish Rao criticised the government over the state’s water and power situation, alleging that authorities were failing to adequately address the problems. He also accused the government of citing El Niño while avoiding responsibility for the situation. Despite facing multiple cases, he said he continued to have faith in the judiciary.

Referring to the Supreme Court verdict on Danam Nagender’s disqualification, Harish Rao described it as a lesson for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He accused the government of encouraging political defections and violating constitutional principles.

He demanded that Nagender and other MLAs who had switched parties resign and seek a fresh mandate from voters. He also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over whether he was aware of developments in Telangana, arguing that those who claim to uphold the Constitution should also insist that defecting MLAs resign.