Speculation is mounting within political circles that the Revanth government may be setting the stage for KTR’s arrest under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Reports indicate that KTR could face charges related to alleged fund misappropriation during his tenure as Minister of Municipal Administration, with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) possibly stepping in. IAS officer Arvind Kumar has reportedly stated that ₹55 crore was released solely upon KTR’s instructions, bypassing cabinet approval. Drawing parallels to a previous instance where former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu faced arrest under the same act, sources suggest that if found guilty, KTR might lose his MLA position and be barred from elections for seven years. Currently, the matter is said to be under the purview of the central government and the judiciary.
According to Section 17A, any inquiry into a minister’s actions requires the Governor’s approval. To this end, the state government has reportedly submitted a letter to the Governor, who, in turn, has sought the Attorney General’s (AG) guidance. The AG could recommend one of three courses of action: 1) exclude KTR from the inquiry, 2) conclude that no business rules were violated in fund transfers, or 3) proceed with an investigation against KTR. Either of the first two options would likely end the matter, providing significant relief to KTR.
Reports also suggest that senior BJP leaders could potentially influence the Attorney General and Governor’s decision, raising speculations of a deeper political strategy. Analysts are recalling prior discussions about a possible BRS alignment with the BJP, a notion further fueled by references to media narratives surrounding K Kavitha’s bail. Observers note that a BJP-BRS collaboration could shape Telangana’s political landscape in the coming period.