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Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has delivered a sharp critique of the previous BRS government, raising serious concerns over alleged political secrecy, drug-related controversies, and administrative lapses. His remarks touched upon key political dynamics, internal party rifts, and the need for transparent governance in Telangana.

In an informal interaction with media in New Delhi on Thursday, the Chief Minister questioned the ongoing internal leadership tussle within the KCR family, particularly highlighting the tensions between K.T. Rama Rao and his sister Kavitha over the future of the BRS. Revanth mockingly asked whether KTR is a “working president or a sleeping president,” casting doubts on his political relevance.

Clarifying that his differences with former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) are purely political, CM Revanth said he holds no personal grudge. However, he strongly accused KCR of damaging Telangana’s long-term interests by diverting nearly 700 TMC of Krishna water to Rayalaseema between 2004 and 2014 during the united Andhra Pradesh period.

On the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister made serious allegations, stating that individuals closely associated with KTR are linked to narcotics. He specifically referred to a person named Kedar—allegedly a friend of KTR—who died of drug overdose in Dubai. Revanth revealed that the Telangana government had obtained the forensic report in connection with this case, reinforcing his claims.

Raises questions on secret meetings

He also raised pointed questions about KTR’s alleged late-night meetings with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, including a midnight dinner meeting. “Why did KTR meet Lokesh secretly three times? Why was there a need for such secrecy if everything was above board?” he asked, insinuating that backdoor political dealings may be underway.

Revanth accused KTR of evading accountability on the drug issue by obtaining court stays instead of addressing public concerns directly. He recalled how KTR ignored the "White Challenge" and instead took legal refuge to avoid scrutiny. “A leader who surrounds himself with drug users and avoids public debates cannot lecture us on governance,” Revanth stated.

CM emphasized that the Congress-led state government does not indulge in illegal surveillance or phone tapping, a practice he claimed was rampant under the previous administration. “We respect democratic institutions and privacy. Our focus is on clean governance,” he affirmed.

Criticizing the BRS’s current approach, Revanth said the party is intentionally manufacturing controversies to stay politically relevant. He mocked the preference of some leaders to retreat to farmhouses rather than engage with the Centre to resolve pressing state issues.

Revanth also took a swipe at Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, accusing him of trying to protect KCR instead of addressing Telangana’s needs. However, he reiterated his readiness to cooperate with the Centre in a formal and structured manner. “I will attend any official review meeting if invitations are sent properly through official channels,” he assured.

On the contentious Banakacherla project, the Chief Minister said that the Union government itself clarified that the issue was not even on the agenda during the recent inter-state water talks, countering Andhra Pradesh’s version of the meeting.