KTR's open letter to Revanth Reddy on Formula E row

Hyderabad:

Telangana's opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi has demanded a discussion on the Formula E racing controversy in the state assembly. Former minister KT Rama Rao, accused of large-scale irregularities in the case, has written an open letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, saying, “If you have the courage, initiate a discussion on the Formula-E race issue in the state assembly. ” ,

A corruption case has been registered against Mr Rao, son of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, over alleged irregularities in the Formula E race to be held in Hyderabad in February 2023. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, which registered the case, has alleged that Rs 55. Crores of rupees were allegedly transferred to Formula E organizers on Mr Rao's verbal orders.

In his letter today, Mr Rao said the Revanth Reddy government was making “baseless allegations” against the previous BRS government, “especially against me”.

“Instead of discussing behind closed doors, the truth of the matter should be revealed to the four crore people of Telangana through a debate in the state assembly,” he said.

Reiterating that there were no irregularities or corruption in the Formula E races, E wrote that the agreement was completely transparent, and all payments to the organizers were made in a transparent manner.

“I have already explained this in detail. However, your government has not stopped its false propaganda,” he said.

In October this year, the Anti-Corruption Bureau had sought permission from Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to investigate KTR in the Formula E case.

Sources said former municipal administration and urban development principal secretary Arvind Kumar has admitted to transferring Rs 55 crore to the event organizers on the verbal orders of the former minister who held the portfolio last year.

There were many irregularities in the transfer. This transfer was not only done on verbal orders, but also bypassed Cabinet approval and was done after the announcement of elections in Telangana without the permission of the Election Commission.
It is also alleged that the payment was made in pounds without the approval of the Reserve Bank of India.