KT Rama Rao refutes charges of corruption in Formula E Race issue and asserts thatthat all decisions were lawful and aimed at bolstering Hyderabad’s global image. He contends that he cannot be held responsible for procedural lapses, if any. He went on to charge the Congress government with partisan motives in leveling unsubstantiated claims.
Published Date – 29 December 2024, 01:40 PM
All you should know about formula e race in Telangana
Hyderabad: In the wake of corruption cases filed by the ACB and money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, BRS working president KT Rama Rao refuted allegations of corruption in the Formula E race case. He called them baseless and politically driven. In a counter filed in the High Court, he stated that all decisions were lawful and aimed at bolstering Hyderabad’s global image. He contended that he cannot be held responsible for procedural lapses, if any. He went on to charge the Congress government with partisan motives in leveling unsubstantiated claims.
What are the allegations against former Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao in the Formula E-Race case?
– The Congress government has accused KT Rama Rao of corruption amounting to Rs 600 crore in organising the Formula E-Race in Hyderabad, claiming a violation of the election code of conduct and procedural lapses which caused financial burden on the State exchequer. The ACB filed a case against Rama Rao, the then Special Chief Secretary K Arvind Kumar and other officials.
How has KTR responded to these accusations?
– Rama Rao has categorically denied all allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He stated that the decision to host the Formula E Race was lawful and aimed at enhancing Hyderabad’s global prestige. He emphasised that there was no conspiracy or corruption involved in the decision-making process.
What legal action has KTR taken on ACB case against him?
– Rama Rao has filed a quash petition in the High Court rejecting the government’s claims. He questioned the basis of the allegations, particularly why no case was filed against the Formula E-Race organization if corruption had occurred.
What does KTR say about the Rs 54 crore expenditure?
– Rama Rao explained that the Rs 54 crore payment was made transparently through Indian Overseas Bank, adhering to HMDA’s guidelines. He clarified that the Rs 8 crore mentioned by the government was tax-related and HMDA can reclaim as the event was not held.
What evidence supports KTR’s claims?
– Rama Rao cited a Nielsen report stating that the Formula E-Race generated ₹700 crores in economic benefits for the state. He also pointed out that no notice was issued by the Election Commission, undermining claims of a code violation.
How does KTR view the accusations?
– Rama Rao dismissed the allegations as partisan attempts to malign his reputation, asserting that the actual loss to the event stemmed from poor decisions by Revanth Reddy’s government.
On charges of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?
– The State government has no role in deciding any violation of the MCC. If there are any, the Election Commission of India (ECI) would have already issued notices. Why is the government keen to involve itself in the matter which out of its jurisdiction, unless there is a political motive? Since the Model code of conduct came in to the force on October 9, 2023, the petitioner become functus officio. The petitioner is no way concerned with the alleged irregularities if any
As per the fresh agreement, there is a financial commitment of about Rs 600 crore for next three years. No prior permissions from the Finance department were obtained before entering into the new agreement.
– The contention that there is a financial commitment of Rs 600 Crores along with additional recurring expenditure for next three years is not correct, the figures were inflated without any substance. In fact by not making the balance payment to the FEO, the state has lost substantial revenue.
On corruption charges
– All payments were made through Indian Overseas Bank of HMDA. If there was any corruption, why no case has been filed against Formula E race organisers. The government failed to provide any concrete evidence of wrongful personal gain, except for making baseless allegations. If there is any loss due to Formula E race, it is only because of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s senseless decisions and ill-conceived actions.
