Violence has no place in Telangana: KTR

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and MLA K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Sunday asserted that violent politics is unacceptable in Telangana, as he visited the family of Uppala Mallaiah, a BRS worker who was allegedly killed in an attack by Congress activists at Lingampalli village in Tungaturthi constituency of Suryapet district.

KTR paid floral tributes to Mallaiah and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family. He assured them of continued support from the party and stated that he would personally ensure that one member of the family is provided a government job in the future.

Speaking to the media, KTR alleged that the Congress government was resorting to intimidation and violence out of fear of upcoming sarpanch and panchayat elections. He questioned why the ruling party was anxious about local body polls if it had genuinely fulfilled its election promises, including farm loan waivers, housing and ration cards.

Despite being in power for a decade earlier, the BRS had focused on public welfare, he said, adding that the current political climate should not have deteriorated to such an extent. KTR criticised the Congress leadership for what he described as “irresponsible politics” and urged them to focus on governance and people’s welfare instead.

Warning that continued attacks on BRS workers would provoke strong resistance, KTR cautioned that such a situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the State. He stressed that Telangana had never witnessed such violent political culture and said it was neither healthy nor acceptable.

Expressing personal regret for not being able to visit the family immediately after Mallaiah’s death, KTR reiterated his commitment to stand by them.

He also lauded BRS cadres for withstanding alleged provocations and congratulated party workers for winning around 50 per cent of the sarpanch and ward member positions. KTR said people across the State were eagerly waiting for the return of K. Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership.