In a sharp political counterattack, Congress MP Chamala Kiran on Thursday responded to comments made by BRS legislator Harish Rao, accusing him of applying a selective moral standard. The MP suggested that Rao and his party chief, former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), were the originators of a culture of insults in Telangana's political discourse.
Chamala Kiran's Fiery Press Conference
Addressing the media in Hyderabad, Chamala Kiran launched a broadside against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). He stated that Harish Rao speaks as if ethical principles are meant only for others and not for himself or his party. The Congress leader urged Rao to revisit the history of insults and abuses allegedly initiated by KCR himself.
"During the Telangana statehood movement, KCR used to speak whatever came to his mind without filter," Kiran remarked. He firmly asserted that KCR started the trend of using derogatory language in the state's politics. Issuing a clear warning, the MP said that if the BRS continues down this path, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is fully capable of responding in a fitting political manner, and even outperforming them in rhetoric if necessary.
A Call for Debates and a Warning
Chamala Kiran posed a pointed question regarding KCR's post-election demeanor. He asked whether the public and political opponents should remain silent spectators if a former chief minister, after losing power, makes threats of retaliation for the next two years. Should one always speak with respect when someone holding the stature of a Chief Minister is being threatened? he questioned.
Shifting to substantive issues, the Congress MP threw down a dual challenge. He demanded a discussion in the legislative assembly on critical water issues and related truths. Furthermore, he vocally called for a comprehensive debate focusing on the alleged irregularities and corruption that took place during the BRS's ten-year rule in Telangana.
Revanth Reddy's Political Response
Kiran reiterated his party's stance, warning that if BRS leaders continue to speak indiscriminately, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will be compelled to respond in the same coin. He also referenced comments made by BJP MP Bandi Sanjay, who had appealed for mutual respect between the current and former chief ministers.
"While Bandi Sanjay mentioned that the CM and former CM should respect each other, he should first convey this message to those who fail to understand this basic decorum—the BRS leaders," Chamala Kiran concluded, bringing the press conference to an end.
