Fri Dec 20 08:33:33 UTC 2024: ## KTR Rejects Corruption Allegations in Formula-E Deal, Defends Telangana Government’s Actions

**Hyderabad, December 20, 2024** – Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has vehemently denied allegations of corruption surrounding the Formula-E race and the Outer Ring Road (ORR) lease in Telangana. He stated his readiness to face any legal challenges related to the Formula-E deal, asserting that the government’s actions are justified and that no corruption occurred.

KTR, addressing reporters on Friday, pointed to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s statements confirming the absence of corruption. He explained that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) legally allocated funds for developmental projects, including the Formula-E race. He further defended the ORR’s Toll, Operate, and Transfer (TOT) system, comparing it to similar national practices and highlighting that the revenue generated was used for farmers’ loan waivers.

KTR challenged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s accusations, questioning why the lease wasn’t scrapped if it was indeed a scam, as alleged. He noted that HMDA had already filed defamation charges against Reddy for previous unsubstantiated claims of corruption. He criticized the government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing its impartiality was compromised as it falls under Reddy’s purview. KTR suggested a probe led by a retired or sitting judge as a more transparent alternative. He also questioned the alleged violent behavior of Congress members during the recent Assembly orientation program.

The ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) has reportedly booked KTR for ₹54.88 crore in alleged irregularities related to the Formula-E deal. KTR has dismissed these charges as baseless.

Read More