Harish Rao downplays Patencheru MLA's exit, slams Congress for engineering defections

HYDERABAD: Former minister and Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy while downplaying the impact of Patancheru MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy's defection.

Addressing a BRS worker's meeting in Patancheru, he touched upon various issues, ranging from past challenges faced by BRS to unfulfilled promises of the Congress government.

Harish Rao began by drawing parallels to the past, reminding the workers that BRS had overcome similar challenges, particularly when 12 MLAs left the party during YS Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure. He emphasized that such defections are not new and will not deter the party's spirit or its chances of success.

He questioned Mahipal Reddy's loyalty and commitment to the people of Patancheru. He reminded that BRS had given him the ticket and support to win thrice from the constituency. He accused Mahipal Reddy of betraying the trust placed in him by the party and the people who elected him.

Harish Rao accused Congress and Revanth Reddy of employing unethical tactics to lure MLAs instead of focusing on governance and fulfilling the promises made to the people. He specifically targeted Revanth Reddy, reminding about his previous statement about pelting stone at those who switch parties, highlighting the hypocrisy in his current actions.

He exuded confidence in the BRS cadre in Patancheru and urged them to remain strong and united. He reassured them that the party stands firm and will win the next election with their support. He urged them to work hard, expose the failures of the Congress government, and convey BRS's achievements to the people.