KTR Counters Pawan Kalyan, Defends Telangana Identity and KCR’s Development Record

Stepping up his attack on political rivals, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Wednesday threw an open challenge to the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , asserting that no state governed by either party has achieved a development record superior to that of Telangana during the tenure of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) . The remarks come amid an intensifying political battle over governance, development, and regional identity in the state.

Addressing a media conference in Hyderabad, KTR said his claims were backed by official data and not political rhetoric. Citing figures from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) , he challenged the Congress and BJP to identify even one state under their rule that had outperformed Telangana across key development indicators during the BRS government's decade in power. If such evidence is produced, he declared, he would be prepared to retire from politics permanently.

According to KTR, Telangana emerged as a model state in areas such as agriculture, irrigation, welfare, infrastructure, industrial growth, and information technology . He argued that the state's rapid transformation after its formation in 2014 was the result of focused leadership and long-term planning under KCR.

Praising the former chief minister, KTR described KCR as the architect of modern Telangana and a leader who consistently protected the interests of the state. Referring to the recently released film OG starring Pawan Kalyan , KTR remarked that Telangana already had its own "Original Gangster" in KCR, a comment aimed at highlighting his political influence and leadership legacy.

KTR also responded strongly to recent comments made by Jana Sena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan , who reportedly said that regionalism was more dangerous than terrorism. Rejecting that view, KTR said Telangana's identity was built through a democratic struggle and the sacrifices of countless people who fought for statehood.

Questioning the criticism of regional aspirations, he cited the movement led by Potti Sriramulu for a separate Andhra State and asked whether such historic struggles should also be labelled as regionalism. He further alleged that while Telangana was being criticised in the name of regional politics, efforts were simultaneously being made to divert investments and opportunities away from the state.

"We respect Pawan Kalyan as an actor and welcome him as a fellow Telugu citizen, but we do not need lessons on patriotism or people's struggles from him," KTR said. He added that the people of Telangana had achieved statehood through immense sacrifice and would not accept any form of political dominance from outside forces.

Earlier in the day, KTR participated in the 'Gift a Smile' initiative in Sircilla , where he distributed tablets to the top 30 students who secured outstanding results in the Class 10 examinations. Congratulating the students, he emphasized the importance of digital education and encouraged them to use technology effectively to achieve greater academic and professional success in the future.