BRS working president KT Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, on Thursday openly challenged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging him to initiate a discussion in the Telangana Assembly on the Formula E race controversy.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a corruption case against KTR over alleged irregularities in a Formula E race held at Hyderabad in February 2023. The ACB has alleged that Rs 55 crore was allegedly transferred to Formula E organisers at the behest of KTR, who has vehemently denied the claims.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, KTR, who has been accused of irregularities in the matter, accused the Congress government of making baseless allegations against him and the previous BRS government regarding the international racing event.

“For months, your government has been spreading falsehoods about Formula E race. Even in this week’s cabinet meeting. Reports indicate that the topic was discussed for over an hour. Leaks from your office suggest plans to file cases on the matter,” KTR said.

He called for transparency and suggested that the matter be debated openly in the Assembly. “The truth should come out before the four crore people of Telangana. Let us present all facts in detail on the Assembly platform,” he added.

KTR defended the BRS government’s agreement with Formula E organisers, describing it as a strategic initiative to boost Telangana’s economy and Hyderabad’s global image. “The race was successfully held in 2023, contributing Rs 700 crore to the state’s economy, as per a Nielsen report. It garnered praise from all quarters,” he said.

He criticised the Congress government for cancelling the 2024 edition of the race after coming to power, attributing the decision to a political vendetta. KTR reiterated that all agreements and payments were transparent and devoid of irregularities.

Calling for accountability, KTR said, “The people of Telangana have the right to know the truth. I demand you schedule a discussion on this issue in the Assembly during the ongoing session.”

He expressed confidence that a debate would expose the baselessness of the Congress government’s claims and reaffirm the benefits the Formula E race brought to the state.