No gap with KCR, Governor quota MLCs to be decided on merits: Governor Tamilisai

HYDERABAD: After displaying bonhomie with Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) at the inauguration of places of religion in the new secretariat a few days ago, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has once again made sensational comments against the State Government. She said that she cannot be stopped by rules and that she came to Telangana as Governor to serve the people.

Speaking after the coffee table book launch held at Raj Bhavan on Friday, the Governor said that she was not afraid of court cases and criticism cannot deter her from her commitment to the people. Regardless of her future position, she vowed to maintain her connection with Telangana.

The Governor expressed concern that protocol was not being followed in the State. “The IAS officer won’t come when I visit the districts. Even though protocol is not followed here, I get cushion elsewhere like in Puducherry, where I get to handle 20 IAS officers," she said.

The Governor said that her meeting with public in Telangana was politicised but in Puducherry, where she is a Lieutenant Governor, she met people on 15th of every month.

During her speech, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan acknowledged Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's strong political presence and extensive experience. She stated that her years in Telangana had been a learning experience, with KCR serving as an influential figure. Notably, she emphasised that the distance between Pragathi Bhavan and Raj Bhavan was symbolic of their close connection.

The Governor, who recently marked four years in office, reiterated her dedication to development and progress in Telangana. She revealed that she received the RTC Bill on Thursday after it underwent a review by the Law Department.

She also said that she was evaluating the Governor's quota MLC candidate nominees D Shravan and K Satnarayana as "they are not fitting the criteria."

Sharing her views on contemporary national issues, the Governor expressed her support for the concept of 'One Nation, One Election'. Asked if she supported the propsed change of name of the country, Tamilisai said that the phrase Bharat was very close to her heart.

Governor Soundararajan also advocated for the effective implementation of central government schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat, to benefit the people of Telangana. She also called for improvements in hostels in the State to enhance living conditions.