KTR dares Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to prove Congress’ claimed 66% support by forcing defected MLAs to resign and face by-elections.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Friday threw down a direct political challenge to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, asking him to prove claims of overwhelming public backing by forcing defected MLAs to seek a fresh mandate.

Speaking at a victory meet of newly elected BRS sarpanches in Sircilla, KTR questioned the Chief Minister’s assertion that Congress secured around 66 per cent support in the recent panchayat polls. He accused Revanth Reddy of contradicting himself by first projecting the results as an endorsement of the government and later calling local elections caste- and issue-driven rather than performance-based.

“If the Chief Minister truly believes people stand with him, let the 10 MLAs who switched sides resign and face by-elections,” KTR said, adding that such a contest would reveal the real public mood. He also criticised the Speaker’s decision a day earlier to dismiss disqualification petitions against five MLAs, alleging political pressure on Gaddam Prasad Kumar to shield defectors.

KTR further claimed the local body results reflected voter anger over unfulfilled promises to farmers, women, and backward communities. He highlighted BRS’s strong showing in Sircilla and said the party remains a formidable force despite being in opposition.

KTR’s challenge sharpens the political battle ahead of future elections, placing moral legitimacy and defections back at the centre of Telangana politics. While local polls often hinge on grassroots dynamics, demands for by-elections resonate with voters who see defections as undermining electoral trust.