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KT Rama Rao refutes allegations of corruption in the Formula E racing issue, claiming that all decisions were legal and aimed at boosting Hyderabad’s global image. He states that he cannot be held responsible for any procedural errors. He then accused the Congress government of partisan motives in making baseless claims.
Release date – December 29, 2024, 1:40 PM
Everything you need to know about the Formula E race in Telangana
Hyderabad: In the wake of corruption cases filed by the ACB and money laundering cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate, BRS working chairman KT Rama Rao refuted the allegations of corruption in the Formula E racing case. He called them baseless and politically driven. In a defense petition filed in the Supreme Court, he stated that all decisions were lawful and aimed at enhancing Hyderabad’s global image. He argued that he cannot be held responsible for any procedural errors. He then accused the Congress government of partisan motives in making baseless 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 to the tune of Rs 600 crore in organizing the Formula E Race in Hyderabad, claiming violation of the election code of conduct and procedural lapses causing financial burden on the state exchequer. The ACB has filed a case against Rama Rao, the then Special Chief Secretary K Arvind Kumar and other officials.
How has KTR responded to these allegations?
– Rama Rao has categorically denied all the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He stated that the decision to host the Formula E race was lawful and aimed at increasing Hyderabad’s global prestige. He emphasized that there was no collusion or corruption in the decision-making process.
What legal action has KTR taken in the ACB case against him?
– Rama Rao has filed a quashing petition in the Supreme Court, dismissing the government’s claims. He questioned the basis of the allegations, especially why a case was not brought against the Formula E-Race organization if there was evidence of corruption.
What does KTR say about the expenditure of Rs 54 crore?
– Rama Rao explained that the payment of Rs 54 crore was made transparently through the Indian Overseas Bank, in accordance with HMDA guidelines. He clarified that the Rs 8 crore mentioned by the government was tax related and HMDA can recover it as the event was not held.
What evidence supports KTR’s claims?
– Rama Rao quoted a Nielsen report stating that Formula E-Race generated ₹700 crores in economic benefits to the state. He also pointed out that no notice had been issued by the Election Commission, undermining claims of violation of the code.
How does KTR view the allegations?
– Rama Rao dismissed the allegations as partisan attempts to tarnish his reputation, claiming that the actual loss for the event stemmed from poor decisions by the Revanth Reddy government.
On charges of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?
– The state government has no role in deciding a violation of the MCC. If there are, the Election Commission of India (ECI) would have already issued notices. Why is the government eager to interfere in a matter outside its jurisdiction unless there is a political motive? Since the model code of conduct was introduced into the force on October 9, 2023, the petitioner has been ex officio. The petitioner is in no way concerned about any possible irregularities
Under the new agreement, there is a financial commitment of around Rs 600 crore for the next three years. No prior permission was obtained from the Finance Department to enter into the new agreement.
– The claim that there is a financial liability of Rs 600 Crores along with additional recurring expenditure for the next three years is not correct; the numbers are inflated without any substance. By not paying the balance to the FEO, the state has lost significant revenue.
On corruption charges
– All payments are made through the Indian Overseas Bank or HMDA. If there is corruption, why hasn’t a case been brought against the organizers of Formula E races? The government has not provided any concrete evidence of unlawful personal gain, apart from making unfounded accusations. If there is any loss due to the Formula E race, it is only due to the senseless decisions and ill-thought-out actions of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.