Defiant Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Mynampally Hanumantha Rao from Malkajgiri has stated that he will decide his next steps after consulting with his supporters from both the Malkajgiri and Medak assembly segments. This announcement follows his controversial remarks aimed at Finance Minister T. Harish Rao during a recent visit to Tirumala, which stirred significant attention.
Speaking to reporters, Hanumantha Rao emphasized that his grievances were directed solely at Harish Rao, not at Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao or the BRS party. “I had not made any personal accusation against the Chief Minister or the party. My grouse is against Mr. Harish Rao only,” he asserted.
Hanumantha Rao requested that the party leadership nominate him and his son, Dr. Mynampalli Rohit, for assembly tickets. He specifically expressed a desire for his son to contest from the Medak assembly seat, citing Rohit’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic as noteworthy. However, the BRS leadership chose to renominate him for Malkajgiri, leaving his request for his son’s candidacy unfulfilled. This development has left the legislator frustrated, particularly as Padma Devender Reddy has been renominate for the Medak seat.
Hanumantha Rao’s comments aimed at Finance Minister Harish Rao, along with his statement regarding a potential independent candidacy, have been perceived unfavorably by party leadership. His threats to contest against Harish Rao in Siddipet have prompted a stern response from Chief Minister Rao, who underscored that Hanumantha Rao must decide whether to accept the nomination for Malkajgiri or not. The Chief Minister also indicated that the party would not tolerate indiscipline or dissent.
BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao, currently in the United States, also condemned Hanumantha Rao’s remarks, reiterating the party’s support for Harish Rao. “One of our MLAs who was denied a ticket for his family member has made some derogatory comments against Minister Harish Rao. I strongly condemn the MLA’s behavior and want to make it clear that we all stand with Mr. Harish Rao, who has been an integral member of the BRS since its inception,” he stated.
This situation reflects broader tensions within the BRS regarding candidacy and loyalty as the party prepares for upcoming elections. The internal dynamics and statements suggest a potential fracture that could impact electoral strategy and party unity moving forward.
Published – August 22, 2023, 02:08 pm IST.
