BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has vigorously defended his efforts to elevate Hyderabad’s global image, through the Formula E race, amidst alleged criticism.
KTR addressed accusations from Congress leaders and some media outlets, asserting that he has devoted substantial time and resources to promote both the city and the state.
“If anyone intends to imprison me out of political vendetta for bringing investments to Hyderabad, creating an incredible brand for the city, and generating employment through these investments, I will not back down,” he said.
KTR said that Rs 55 crore was approved for the event by him as Minister and that it was his responsibility. Based on my instructions, Arvind Kumar moved the file. It is completely my responsibility and the officer has nothing to do with it, KTR added.
Responding to allegations of financial mismanagement, KTR clarified that around Rs 40 crore was spent by the government on the Formula E event.
He said that the Formula E race was not just a race but part of a week-long series of events under the Telangana E-Mobility Week, which drew numerous companies to consider investing in Telangana.
KTR said that the Formula E event brought approximately Rs 700 crore in economic benefits and attracted investments worth around Rs 15,000 crore, creating thousands of jobs.
He said that the funds were part of a tripartite agreement with Hyderabad’s urban development body HMDA, FIA and sponsors.
KTR emphasised that the Telangana Government had decided to fund the Formula E race to boost Hyderabad’s brand, attract investments and create jobs.
He clarified that he personally took responsibility for administrative matters connected to the event’s funding and operation.
He highlighted the fact that the Telangana Government had spent around Rs 50 crore to bring the Formula E race to Hyderabad, and according to studies by global firms like Nielsen, the event generated an estimated Rs 700 crore in benefits for the city.
He also pointed out that the race helped to increase Hyderabad’s visibility in over 49 countries, attracting major investments and promoting the city as a hub for electric vehicle technology and manufacturing.
In response to Revanth Reddy’s allegations, KTR clarified that no corruption was involved in the event and that all financial transactions were transparent and approved by relevant authorities.
He stressed that the initiative was solely intended to boost Hyderabad’s brand image, promote sustainable mobility, and encourage investments in electric vehicles.
KTR defended the government’s decision to bring the race to Hyderabad, explaining that the Formula E event was a strategic move to position the city as a key player in the global electric vehicle market.
He drew comparisons to similar large-scale events in other countries, like the Commonwealth Games and Formula 1 race in Greater Noida, which also involved substantial government spending.
KTR criticized the attempts to undermine Hyderabad’s progress, stating that Revanth’s political agenda was detrimental to the city’s image.
He also dismissed Revanth’s proposal to host the Olympics in Telangana as an impractical, costly idea.
KTR reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for the people of Telangana and to work towards enhancing Hyderabad’s global standing, despite political distractions and baseless criticisms.
“If they want to file a case, let them do so. I’ll go to jail for two months and come back stronger, ready to continue the fight for Telangana’s future,” he said.
