Harish Rao demands Central probe into ‘gun culture’ in Telangana Cabinet

Harish Rao accused CM Revanth Reddy of presiding over a Cabinet plagued by internal clashes and alleged gun culture. The BRS demanded a Central or judicial probe, citing threats to ministers’ families, businessmen, and industrialists

Hyderabad: In a scathing attack, former Minister and Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao demanded a Central investigation into the allegations of gun culture among State Cabinet Ministers and internal clashes within the Congress-led Telangana Cabinet. He said the governance in the State had completely collapsed under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, with Cabinet meetings turning into sessions to settle personal disputes among Ministers.

He demanded for a Central or judicial investigation into allegations against the State Cabinet members. He added that the BRS was exploring legal options to seek a formal probe.

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Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Harish Rao said the recent Cabinet meeting focused on internal quarrels rather than addressing public issues and administrative matters. “Ministers are fighting among themselves and the Chief Minister is acting as a mediator for settlements. Governance has gone off track and anarchy has taken over,” he remarked.

Referring to alleged claims made by family members of Minister Konda Surekha that the Chief Minister was encouraging gun culture to threaten them and industrialists for settlements, the BRS leader demanded an immediate probe. “When a Minister’s family accuses the Chief Minister of using guns for settlements and intimidation of industrialists, it becomes a matter of grave concern,” he said.

He said the Congress Cabinet was divided into multiple factions fighting over commissions, contracts, shares and postings. “This is not a Cabinet of Ministers but a mafia gang. Ministers are interfering in each other’s departments, and paralysing administration,” he charged.

Harish Rao also accused the Revanth Reddy government of threatening businessmen, industrialists, and film personalities. “Under former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s regime, investors were welcomed through TS-iPASS. Now, this government has introduced gun culture, scaring away investors and stalling development,” he said.

Citing official data, he said that only 2,049 industries with investments worth Rs 50,000 crore were established in 2024-25 which is the lowest since TS-iPASS was launched. “The Congress has destroyed Telangana’s reputation as an investment hub,” he said.

Questioning the silence of BJP leaders G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay over the allegations, Harish Rao demanded that the Centre order an impartial investigation. “If the Chief Minister really sent guns to threaten a Minister’s family, why are BJP leaders silent? Unless this government is not a BJP-Congress joint venture, the Centre should order a judicial or Central agency probe,” he challenged.

He asserted that the BRS would legally pursue the issue and place evidence before the public. “We will stand by investors and citizens. We built this State and will not let it be destroyed by lawlessness,” Harish Rao said, declaring that Telangana Bhavan’s doors remained open to those seeking justice.