KTR sought BRS-BJP merger with condition to keep probe agencies at bay, claims C M Ramesh

Hyderabad: BJP MP CM Ramesh from Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle created a flutter on Saturday claiming that BRS working president K T Rama Rao approached him several months ago with a proposal to merge the BRS into BJP and requesting him to facilitate discussions with the central leadership.

The alleged offer came with specific conditions that central investigating agencies would refrain from probing alleged corruption that took place during K Chandrashekar Rao's tenure as Telangana Chief Minister between 2014 and 2023. Furthermore, the BRS leader allegedly requested assurances for his sister K Kavitha's release, who was in jail at that time in connection with the Delhi liquor scam. Kavitha a few months ago came out the jail on bail.

To validate his explosive claims, Ramesh announced his readiness to release CCTV footage documenting KTR's visit to his Delhi residence on Talkatora Road. The timing of these revelations proves particularly significant, given Kavitha's previous assertions that certain factions within the BRS were actively pursuing a merger with the BJP.

Speaking to reporters in Anakapalle on Saturday, Ramesh delivered a scathing response to recent criticism from KTR. "Do you recall our conversation when you visited my Delhi residence four months ago? You explicitly stated your willingness to merge your party into the BJP, provided arrangements could secure the concealment of your government's corrupt practices and facilitate Kavitha's release," Ramesh said.

The MP continued his blistering attack, asserting that KTR's current allegations stemmed from rejection by BJP leadership. "These accusations arise solely because I consulted with my party seniors and informed you that yours represents a corrupt organization whose political relevance in Telangana has expired. Consequently, we determined no association with your party was viable," he added.

Ramesh also referenced the BRS leader's narrow 300-vote victory margin during the TDP alliance period and challenged him about the departure of senior leader Tummala Nageswara Rao.

"When questioned about losing Tummala Nageswara Rao, didn't you acknowledge that your party no longer required Kamma leaders? You admitted that following Revanth Reddy's triumph, even Reddy community members within your ranks shifted their loyalty to him, while you currently align with Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh," Ramesh added.

The controversy intensified following KTR's allegations on Friday against the Congress government, where he accused the Telangana administration of awarding lucrative contracts to BJP leaders. KTR specifically highlighted the Rs 1,600 crore "Fourth City Road" project allegedly connected to CM Ramesh, questioning Rahul Gandhi's silence on this supposed Congress-BJP collaboration.

Ramesh vehemently rejected these allegations, categorically denying any involvement with the Ritvik Company that secured the Rs 1,660 crore contract. "Accusations linking me to this contract through collusion with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy are completely baseless. I maintain no association with that company whatsoever," Ramesh said.

"Just as Jagan Mohan Reddy faces challenges with his sister in Andhra Pradesh, your irrational statements appear driven by similar familial political complications in Telangana," he said and challenged KTR's understanding of governmental procedures, questioning how someone with a decade of ministerial experience could misunderstand standard contract allocation processes. He noted that three months had elapsed since L&T and Ritvik companies received their respective work contracts through established protocols.

The Anakapalle MP also said that during BRS ten-year rule in Telangana, the government gave contracts worth approximately Rs 7 lakh crores. “To whom were they given? How many were Telangana people among them? How many were Andhra people? I have complete evidence of all this. If you have the courage, come and let's debate this in front of the media as you suggested. If KTR doesn't keep his mouth shut, there will be severe consequences. If you provoke me unnecessarily, I will have to reveal many more truths about you," Ramesh said.

'BRS will never merge with any party': KTR

KTR responded by reiterating that the BRS will never merge with any party, emphasising the organisation's unwavering commitment to Telangana's welfare. KTR accused both parties of using merger speculation as a smokescreen.

"With their theft now exposed, they are resorting to spreading useless stories as a diversionary tactic," KTR stated.

"Breaking rules and awarding contracts illegally to handpicked associates this is the corrupt playbook your friend Revanth Reddy has mastered. It has become abundantly clear that the Rs 1,660 crore contract is nothing more than a return gift for helping your friend loot Rs 10,000 crore. To divert attention from these scandals, they are once again raising the baseless and worthless topic of a BJP merger. The party that was born for the people of Telangana, the party that continues to fight for Telangana's interests will never, under any circumstances, consider merging with any party. The people of Telangana understand this truth," he said.

"Every time they find themselves embroiled in controversy, both Congress and BJP attempt to confuse the people of Telangana by resurrecting this meaningless merger narrative," he added.