BRS working president K T Rama Rao meeting Bathula Srinivas, a tea vendor in Sircilla, whose tea stall near Bathukamma Ghat was shut down by the district authorities.
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao came out in support of persons who were targeted by the Congress government out of political vendetta. He consoled farmer Abbadi Rajireddy and tea vendor Bathula Srinivas, assuring them of all possible support.
During his visit to Jillela village in Sircilla constituency, Rama Rao met Rajireddy, a farmer who was arrested due to a mistaken identity case. The police arrested him following alleged orders from District Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha as his surname matched with a local BRS leader.
Rama Rao apologised to Rajireddy for his suffering due to the political clash between the Congress and the BRS. Condemning the incident, the BRS working president questioned the fairness of jailing a sick and poor farmer out of political vendetta.
“Is this people’s governance? Arresting an innocent farmer because he shares a surname with a BRS leader? If former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao had played such factional politics while in power, where would they (the Congress leaders) be today?” he asked.
He suggested that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy focus on administration rather than settling political scores. Rama Rao also met Bathula Srinivas, a tea vendor in Sircilla, whose tea stall stationed near Bathukamma Ghat was shut down by the district authorities after noticing Rama Rao’s photograph displayed prominently in his shop. Calling this politically motivated action, Srinivas lamented that his livelihood was snatched away without reason.
Rama Rao assured Srinivas and his family of full support and urged them not to get disheartened. He also promised support for them to regain financially.
“Do not lose heart. I will personally ensure that you get back to your livelihood. Even if it costs Rs 10 lakh, I will help you set up a permanent business,” he said.
He promised that a new tea stall would be arranged for Srinivas within 10 days, with a rent-free alternative to ease his financial burden. He also vowed to safeguard those who are intentionally targeted by the Congress.