KT Rama Rao targets Rahul Gandhi for betraying auto drivers in Telangana
KT Rama Rao accused Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi, of betraying Telangana’s auto drivers by failing welfare promises. BRS highlights worsening distress among drivers and demands action on financial support and the promised welfare board, intensifying campaign tensions in Hyderabad
State Bureau
Hyderabad:
BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Monday targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for betraying Telangana’s auto drivers, after making grand promises of welfare and financial aid during the 2023 Assembly elections. Auto-rickshaw drivers, who were once owners of their vehicles, were now forced to sell them and were relegated to driving rented vehicles, he said.
Welcoming auto drivers union leader Shakhan into the party fold at Telangana Bhavan on Monday, Rama Rao reminded that Rahul Gandhi had personally met auto drivers and even travelled in an auto-rickshaw during his campaign. Rahul Gandhi also pledged to establish an Auto Drivers’ Welfare Board and provide each driver with an annual financial aid of Rs 12,000. “Two years later, neither has seen the light of day,” he said.
The BRS working president said the Congress government’s inaction drove many families into distress. Mashrat Ali, whose auto-rickshaw carried Rahul Gandhi two years ago, was now crushed by the same Congress government and was forced to sell both his vehicles due to economic distress.
“Rahul Gandhi must wake up from his deep slumber. He promised change within 100 days, while two years have passed, and 161 auto drivers have taken their lives due to this neglect,” he asserted.
Accusing the Congress of moral hypocrisy, Rama Rao said while Rahul Gandhi delivers lofty speeches about the poor, his own party’s government in Telangana was pushing working-class citizens into poverty. “Rahul Gandhi preaches compassion and equality, but his government practices betrayal. When you cannot honour promises made to poor auto drivers, you lose the moral right to speak about justice,” he declared.
He demanded that Rahul Gandhi take moral responsibility and ensure the immediate implementation of the promised Auto Drivers’ Welfare Board and annual financial assistance. “Words don’t feed families. Telangana’s auto drivers deserve justice and respect, not empty speeches,” he said, vowing that BRS will continue to fight for their cause.