KTR condemns arrest of former MLA Balka Suman, seeks immediate release
HYDERABAD: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday strongly condemned the arrest of former MLA Balka Suman, terming it “illegal” and politically motivated. He demanded Suman’s immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement, Rama Rao alleged that the arrest was carried out without prior notice and described it as a “cowardly act” by the government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He said targeting a Dalit leader who, according to him, has been a voice for weaker sections reflected the government’s approach towards dissent.
‘Minister interfering in election process’
Rama Rao alleged that Minister Vivek Venkataswamy directly interfered in the election process at Kothanapally and exerted pressure on officials. He claimed that returning officers and police, who are expected to remain neutral, acted at the behest of Congress leaders, undermining democratic institutions.
He further alleged that despite people delivering a clear mandate in favour of the BRS in Kothanapally, candidates were “kidnapped” and cases were filed against those who resisted. He criticised the police for registering cases against Suman for questioning alleged irregularities and for deploying large numbers of personnel in the area.
Rama Rao warned that police officers who, according to him, violated the law to favour the ruling party would be held accountable in the future.
‘Congress-style politics of capture’
The BRS leader accused the Congress government of pursuing “capture politics” in the state. Referring to incidents in Thorrur, Jangaon and Zaheerabad, he alleged that elected councillors were being lured or coerced.
He also referred to an alleged attack on a Dalit woman public representative in Jangaon and questioned the government’s failure to ensure her protection.
Rama Rao demanded that Suman and BRS workers who were allegedly detained be released immediately. He urged the State Election Commission and the Governor to intervene and order a comprehensive inquiry into alleged irregularities during municipal elections.
Stating that arrests and detentions would not silence the party, he said the BRS would continue its political struggle against what he termed as “misrule” by the Congress government.
