'I am not Telangana CM, KCR is and will be'; KTR rules out speculation

Hyderabad: Telangana’s Industries and IT Minister KT Rama Rao on New Year day once again responded on the speculation about him succeeding his father and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. KTR said that there’s no confusion or speculation about KCR continuing as Telangana CM.

“KCR is Telangana’s CM and continues to be so. KCR personally gave clarity in Telangana Assembly on who is the next CM. After the Chief Minister provided the House and the people clarity on the issue, why would anyone raise doubt about it?” asks KTR.

Elaborating on TRS’s stand on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NPR, the minister said that if the Centre adds Muslims to CAA, then they would support the Bill. “Earlier, TRS had supported several Bills tabled in the Parliament. In politics, we have no permanent friend or permanent enemy. TRS doesn’t have permanent enemies as well,” he said.

Responding to a question on TRS leaders participating in a public meeting organised by AIMIM in Nizamabad, KTR said that it doesn’t mean that TRS is against Hindus. “I ask one question. Is there any great Hindu than KCR in India? People know how religious KCR is. He has performed several great yagas and havans while developing Yadadri, Vemulawada and other major temples in Telangana at the cost of thousands of crores. Telangana government introduced honorary remuneration to Imams, Church fathers and other religious heads. Is there any great secular leader than KCR?” asks KTR.

Talking about infrastructure programmes, the minister said that metro rail would commence operations in the Old City. “There shouldn’t be doubt about it. Metro rail will expand to the Old City as well. MMTS Phase-2 works will take place very soon,” he further added, while ruling out reports that Secunderabad was being neglected.

Updating on the party’s position ahead of the Municipal elections, KTR noted that TRS would win over 100 seats in GHMC elections. “The real competition is within the TRS cadre in the Municipal elections. We are requesting our leaders and cadres not to contest as independent candidates,” said the IT Minister.