BRS global NRI wing backs legal notice to ‘Velugu’ over KCR report

The BRS Global NRI wing has criticised a report published in Telugu daily Velugu alleging diversion of water from Kondapochamma Sagar to former chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's farmland at Erravelli. The organisation termed the allegations unsubstantiated, demanded withdrawal of the report and an unconditional apology.

Hyderabad: BRS Global NRI wing condemned a report published in the vernacular newspaper ‘Velugu’ alleging diversion of water from Kondapochamma Sagar to BRS chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s farmland at Erravelli. The party wing demanded its withdrawal and an unconditional apology, backing legal notice to the newspaper by the party.

In a statement on Sunday, BRS Global NRI coordinator Mahesh Bigala alleged that the report, titled ‘KCR farmhouse ku mallina Kondapochamma’, was aimed tarnishing the reputation of the BRS president by linking Telangana farmers’ irrigation needs to his personal agricultural land without presenting supporting evidence.

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He questioned whether the newspaper had examined official Irrigation department records, verified canal routes or obtained explanations from the concerned officials before publishing the allegations. Sensational headlines without substantiated facts could mislead the public, he said.

Mahesh Bigala said the BRS respected press freedom and supported journalism that questioned those in power, but maintained that allegations affecting an individual’s reputation must be backed by evidence. Discussions on Telangana’s irrigation projects should be based on technical details and official records, he added.

He extended full support to the BRS legal cell’s demand that Velugu withdraw the disputed report within 24 hours of receiving the legal notice and issue an unconditional apology to Chandrashekhar Rao and the party.

“Questioning and criticism are welcome, but not without evidence and facts. The media cannot escape from responsible journalism in the guise of freedom of press. Any attempts to target KCR without evidence and mislead the people of Telangana, will not be tolerated,” he added.