The BRS Working President and former Minister KTR has been under constant attack since the Congress assumed power in Telangana. The BRS alleges that KTR is deliberately targeted whenever the Congress government faces public dissatisfaction or criticism for its shortcomings.
In addition to the case filed by the ACB against KTR in connection with the Formula-E race, naming him as A-1, allegations against him range from baseless slander on social media to orchestrated misinformation campaigns in the media. Here’s a look at some key incidents.
Phone tapping allegations
Shortly after forming the government, Congress brought the issue of alleged phone tapping to the forefront, claiming it was done on the orders of KTR and former Chief Minister KCR.
Investigations were initiated, and cases were filed against several police officers. Simultaneously, media and social media narratives alleged that police officials admitted tapping certain phones at KTR’s behest, a baseless claim that BRS leaders vehemently denied.
Demolition of N convention
The demolition of the N Convention, owned by actor Nagarjuna, sparked controversy. While the government argued the construction was illegal, Nagarjuna’s family claimed otherwise.
Congress Minister Konda Surekha dragged KTR into the matter, making personal comments about Nagarjuna’s family and accusing KTR of involvement, despite his lack of connection to the issue. These remarks quickly gained traction on social media, and the Tollywood fraternity, along with the public, condemned the Congress leaders’ derogatory comments.
Janwada farmhouse controversy
Before the elections, Congress propagated misinformation about KTR’s alleged ownership of a farmhouse in Janwada. Despite KTR clarifying that the property wasn’t his, the accusations persisted.
In August this year, irrigation officials conducted measurements of the farmhouse, claiming it fell within Full Tank Level (FTL) limits, which led to media speculation about its demolition.
Lagacharla Incident
The BRS alleges that the Congress government attempted to implicate KTR in a clash at Lagacharla, where farmers in Kodangal constituency opposed land acquisition for the Pharma City project and allegedly attacked officials.
Congress leaders alleged KTR’s involvement, further escalating tensions. Eventually, Patnam Narender Reddy, a former MLA, was arrested in connection with the incident and was jailed for 37 days.
Misinformation on social media
BRS leaders accuse Congress of orchestrating malicious propaganda against KTR through pro-government media and social media. They claim false narratives were spread, including allegations of KTR meeting BJP leaders secretly in Delhi or attending events under dubious circumstances.
Family function misrepresented as rave party
In October, KTR’s family members attended a private family function at his brother-in-law’s residence in Janwada. The event, attended by close family and friends, was portrayed by Congress as a rave party.
Police conducted a midnight raid, alleging the presence of drugs, foreign liquor, and casino equipment. However, it was later revealed to be a family gathering. Despite this clarification, a case was filed citing the possession of foreign liquor.
BRS leaders contend that the Congress government is seizing every opportunity to target KTR, who has been vocal in exposing its misrule. They assert that these baseless allegations and misinformation campaigns are designed to divert public attention from governance failures and silence opposition voices.