KTR testifies against Konda Surekha in defamation case

In court, Rama Rao described Surekha's allegations as "deeply hurtful" and despicable, stating that some were "unspeakable" for any normal person. He dismissed her claims of him being a drug addict and hosting rave parties as baseless, accusing her of seeking cheap publicity through these false accusations.

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao testified against Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by him at the Nampally court on Wednesday. His said the Minister’s defamatory remarks caused damage to his reputation and the integrity of his party.

Appearing before the court, Rama Rao said Surekha’s allegations were “deeply hurtful” and extremely despicable, with some of them being “unspeakable” for any normal person. He stated that her allegations – accusing him of being a drug addict and hosting rave parties – were baseless and motivated solely by her desire for cheap publicity.

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“As she is in a responsible position of being a Minister, her words have seriously damaged not just me but the party as a whole,” he said.

The BRS working president said the witnesses, who have known him for 18 years, shared his distress over the remarks. He stated that her accusations were particularly harmful in the context of his public service, where maintaining a respectable image was paramount. He also mentioned the prior complaints lodged with the Election Commission regarding Surekha’s similar remarks, for which she was reprimanded.

Rama Rao’s testimony, lasting nearly half an hour, included the submission of video evidence showcasing Surekha’s comments. Along with him, BRS leader Dasoju Sravan also testified as a witness. The court will record the statements of other witnesses on October 30. Though he had issued a legal notice earlier and demanded an unconditional apology from Surekha, there was no response from the Minister, forcing Rama Rao to file the case in the court.