Telangana: Ex-Minister Jupalli, Former MP Ponguleti Dismissed From BRS After Remarks Against KCR

The dismissal of Jupalli Krishna Rao and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy from BRS comes after they began speaking against the leadership of Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao.

File photos of former Telangana minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.

Source : Twitter/@KP_Aashish

Former Telangana minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy were on Monday suspended by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) "for engaging in anti-party activities", the party announced in a statement. This comes as Jupalli Krishna Rao and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy began speaking against the leadership of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao accusing him of suppression of democratic voices in Telangana.

"As per orders of BRS National Chief K .Chandrashekar Rao, former Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy are suspended from the party for engaging in anti-party activities," the BRS stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.

According to a report by the Indian Express, Jupally Krishna Rao on Sunday attended an Athmeeya Sammelanam programme organised by Srinivasa Reddy in Kothagudem.

“The chief minister should act like a trustee of State government and protect the people. Instead, his government is suppressing democracy,” Rao said, as quoted by the New Indian Express report. “When people question him about these issues, they are harassed and police cases filed against them. KCR and his family members are acting like kings and neglecting people and their problems,” he charged.

As per the report, Srinivasa Reddy remarked that KCR is dreaming of becoming a Chief Minister for the third time but it will remain a dream.

“People thought that their lives would improve after the formation of Telangana. KCR assured to provide 10 lakh jobs. He also promised to waive `1 lakh loan of farmers. He not only failed to fulfill these promises but also failed the people in all aspects. Why should people vote for him again? People will surely teach him a befitting lesson in the coming elections,” he said, as quoted by the New Indian Express.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS Government to not allow any obstruction in development being planned for the people of the state. He said he was 'pained' by the alleged non-cooperation of the ruling dispensation towards central initiatives aimed at the southern state.

BRS leader and state Minister K T Rama Rao hit back at the charge saying despite Telangana performing better than other states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "failed" to recognise and appreciate a performing state for "petty" politics.

#TriumphantTelangana

✅ State with Highest per capita growth in India
✅ First state to provide drinking water to all homes
✅ State that completed World’s largest lift irrigation project
✅ Best Rural Development model in India - 100% ODF plus villages
✅ 2nd Highest paddy…

— KTR (@KTRBRS) April 9, 2023

"#Triumphant Telangana. State with Highest per capita growth in India, First state to provide drinking water to all homes, State that completed World’s largest lift irrigation project, Best Rural Development model in India - 100% ODF plus villages, 2nd Highest paddy producer in India, Highest No of IT Jobs creating state in India, State that won many international accolades... Yet the PM of India has not a single word of appreciation !! Refuses to acknowledge a performing state for petty politics. @narendramodi Ji, I challenge you to name a state that has performed better all round than Telangana in last 9 years?" Rama Rao tweeted.