Hyderabad: K. Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), Working President of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister, has reiterated the party’s stance on the much-awaited by-elections in Telangana, stating that the people of the state are eagerly looking forward to them. Addressing the media in Delhi following meetings with Union ministers, KTR confirmed that the BRS is actively pursuing legal action against the disqualification of MLAs who switched parties. The matter is currently under litigation in the Supreme Court, with the Court issuing notices to 10 disqualified MLAs. KTR also pointed out that the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly has been advised to take necessary actions, expressing confidence that the MLAs would eventually face disqualification.
On the topic of higher education regulations, KTR, accompanied by Telangana former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), met Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to voice their concerns regarding proposed changes to the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. KTR emphasized that the changes go against the federal spirit and encroach on the democratic rights of state governments. He criticized the shift toward granting state governors greater control over university appointments, asserting that it undermines the role of state governments in managing local educational institutions.
Further, KTR stated that the BRS has formally submitted their objections in a letter, raising concerns about provisions that could adversely impact reserved categories such as SCs and STs, particularly the introduction of the “No Suitable Candidate” (NSC) clause.
In infrastructure discussions, KTR met with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to propose the extension of National Highway 365B, connecting Sircilla to Kurrutla, through the construction of a rail-cum-road bridge.