KTR condemns arrest of Balka Suman, seeks SEC and Governor’s intervention

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao condemned the arrest of former MLA Balka Suman, calling it illegal and politically motivated, and accused the Congress of misusing police and officials to manipulate municipal elections across Telangana.

Hyderabad: Condemning the arrest of former BRS MLA Balka Suman in Kyathanapally, BRS working president KT Rama Rao termed it illegal and politically motivated. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Suman and other detained BRS leaders.

In a statement, Rama Rao urged the State Election Commission and the Governor to intervene and order a thorough probe into alleged irregularities in the municipal elections. He also sought action against police officers accused of acting at the behest of the ruling Congress party to favour the latter capture the municipality.

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The BRS working president said arresting Suman, who was a Dalit leader and voice of weaker sections, without notice and treating him like a dacoit, indicated the cowardice of the Revanth Reddy government. He stated that in Kyathanpally, Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy had directly interfered in the municipal chairman’s election process and pressured officials, while returning officers and police failed to remain impartial. “This is an indication of the failed democratic systems,” he added.

He criticised the police, accusing them of turning into a private army of the Congress. Despite a clear majority for BRS in Kyathanpallyi, he said the ruling Congress was mocking the public mandate. He said the Congress was intimidating BRS candidates and filing cases against BRS leaders like Suman who were opposing its actions, by misusing the power.

Referring to incidents in Thorrur, Jangaon and Zaheerabad, Rama Rao accused the Congress of indulging in encroachment politics by luring or detaining BRS elected councillors. He said even a Dalit woman representative in Jangaon was attacked in front of officials who failed to provide necessary protection.

Stating that arrests and detentions would not silence the party, he warned that the officials who were working in favour of the Congress and misusing authority would be held accountable in future.