KT Rama Rao’s ‘Deshbhakt’ podcast sparks buzz, clocks 471k views within 24 hours

The episode, centred on the “Rerise of Regional Politics”, drew overwhelming response for its tone, content and honesty, with many calling it ‘a rare, civilised political conversation’

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao’s candid interview on journalist Akash Banerjee’s ‘The Deshbhakt’ podcast has taken social media by storm, crossing 4,71,000 views in 24 hours.

The episode, centred on the “Rerise of Regional Politics”, drew overwhelming response for its tone, content and honesty, with many calling it ‘a rare, civilised political conversation’.

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Banerjee himself admitted to being inundated with messages urging him to host ‘more such civilised podcasts’, assuring viewers he would.

The comments section turned into a virtual referendum on Rama Rao’s leadership style, with users hailing his “clarity, conviction, and refreshing honesty”.

The BRS working president spoke at length on multiple issues ranging from concerns over delimitation to Hindi imposition, absence of strong opposition at the Centre to the rise of regional parties in future, and allegations of corruption, drug abuse and phone tapping against him, among others.

“Not for a second it felt that a politician was speaking!” wrote @Prachi_Vaidya_Dublay, while @Yaya88007, a Rahul Gandhi supporter, called the exchange “an eye-opener”.

Viewers from across States vouched for Telangana’s governance record, citing uninterrupted power, rapid industrial growth, and people-friendly administration under former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and Rama Rao’s tenure as Minister.

One user, @syedkhaja from Hyderabad, posted that his entire family had voted for BRS, which transformed Telangana from an arid to an agrarian State. He said the Congress came to power in Telangana with empty promises, like the BJP at the Centre.

Some even pitched the BRS working president as “prime minister material,” with @chanakyareddykukunuru declaring, “Hope he becomes PM of India in the coming years.”

The viewers, largely, opined that Indian politics needs more leaders like Rama Rao who are articulate, progressive and not afraid of tough questions. The video’s viral run has also reignited discussions about the rising relevance of regional politics.