By Hyderabad, April 22 – Working President of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former Telangana Minister K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has come down heavily on the MLAs who defected from BRS to the Congress party. He stated that the people of Telangana are determined to teach these turncoats a “fitting lesson” in the upcoming elections.
Addressing a media gathering on Monday, KTR criticized the defection of elected representatives who, after winning on a BRS ticket, switched allegiance to the ruling Congress for personal gains. He called the move a betrayal of public trust and an insult to democratic values.
Betrayal of People’s Mandate
KTR expressed disappointment over the trend of political defections, especially those driven by power and self-interest. “These MLAs were elected by the people under the BRS banner. They campaigned with our manifesto, used our resources, and took the blessings of the people. Now, for selfish reasons, they have jumped ship. This is nothing but backstabbing,” KTR said.
He warned that the voters are watching everything closely and will not forget such betrayals. “People understand the difference between genuine leadership and opportunistic politics. They will give their verdict in the next elections,” he said.
Defections Undermine Democracy
The BRS leader argued that defections without resigning and seeking re-election were against the spirit of the anti-defection law. He stressed the need for strict political reforms to curb such unethical practices.
“There must be accountability in politics. If an elected representative wants to join another party, they must first resign and go back to the people for approval. Otherwise, it’s an open mockery of democracy,” KTR stated.
Targeting the Congress Government
KTR also took aim at the Congress government in Telangana, accusing it of engineering defections to consolidate its power. He alleged that the Congress party is misusing its current position to lure MLAs with promises of cabinet berths and other benefits.
“This is not how democracy should function. Congress is clearly trying to weaken the opposition through backdoor politics. It is ironic that the same Congress which cried foul over defections in the past is now indulging in the same,” he said.
BRS Will Bounce Back
Despite the recent setbacks, KTR expressed confidence that the BRS will bounce back stronger. He reiterated that the party has a strong grassroots presence and a track record of delivering development in Telangana.
“We have always stood by the people of Telangana. Whether it is in power or opposition, BRS will continue to fight for the state’s interests,” he declared.
He also said the party will launch a state-wide campaign to expose the defectors and remind people of the promises BRS had made and fulfilled during its tenure.
People Want Stability and Trustworthy Leadership
KTR said the people of Telangana want a stable government that respects their trust and delivers on its promises. “People are tired of political games. They want honest and committed leaders, not opportunists who switch parties for personal gain,” he said.
He added that such political shifts create instability and hamper developmental progress. “When an MLA defects, it disrupts constituency-level development and creates confusion among the public. These selfish moves have long-term consequences,” KTR warned.
Legal and Public Action in the Pipeline
When asked about possible legal steps against defected MLAs, KTR said the party is examining all options. He emphasized that while legal processes take time, the real judgment will be passed by the people.
“We are consulting legal experts and considering all constitutional options. But ultimately, the power lies with the people. They will give a strong reply in the form of votes,” he added.
Strengthening the BRS Cadre
KTR also used the opportunity to rally party workers and leaders, asking them to stay united and focused. He said the party would emerge more disciplined and stronger in the days to come.
“Our cadre is our backbone. We will not be shaken by a few defections. Instead, this will only strengthen our resolve to work harder for the people,” he affirmed.
Conclusion
KTR’s strong words against the defectors indicate that BRS is gearing up for a political battle in the coming months. With voters’ sentiments playing a crucial role, the party aims to tap into public anger and hold defectors accountable.
The coming months in Telangana politics promise to be eventful as all eyes will be on how the people respond to these defections and what strategies parties adopt to win back public trust.
