Everything You Should Know About Telangana Formula E Race Issue – Telangana Today

KT Rama Rao rejects allegations of corruption in Formula E race issue and says all decisions were legal and aimed at strengthening Hyderabad’s global image. He claims that he cannot be held responsible for any procedural irregularities. He went on to accuse the Congress government of partisan motives in making baseless claims.

Hyderabad: Following the corruption cases filed by the ACB and the money laundering cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate, BRS president KT Rama Rao dismissed the allegations of corruption in the Formula E racing case. He called them baseless and politically motivated. In an objection filed in the High Court, he stated that all the decisions are legal and aimed at strengthening Hyderabad’s global image. He argued that he cannot be held responsible for procedural irregularities, if any. He went on to accuse 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 accused KT Rama Rao of corruption to the tune of Rs 600 crore in organizing the Formula E Race in Hyderabad, alleging a violation of the election code of conduct and procedural irregularities that caused a 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 did KTR respond to these allegations?

– Rama Rao categorically denied all the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He stated that the decision to host the Formula E Race was legal and aimed at enhancing Hyderabad’s global prestige. He emphasized that no conspiracy or corruption was involved in the decision-making process.

What legal action has KTR taken in the ACB case against him?

– Rama Rao filed a writ petition in the High Court rejecting the government’s claims. He questioned the basis of the allegations, particularly why no case had been filed against the Formula E-Race organization if corruption had taken place.

What does KTR say about the expenses of 54 million lei?

– Rama Rao explained that the payment of Rs 54 crore was made transparently through Indian Overseas Bank following HMDA guidelines. He clarified that the Rs 8 crore mentioned by the government was tax related and HMDA can claim as the event did not take place.

What evidence supports KTR’s claims?

– Rama Rao cited a Nielsen report stating that Formula E-Race generated 700 million lei in economic benefits for the state. He also pointed out that no notice was issued by the Election Commission, undermining the claims of code violation.

How does KTR view the allegations?

– Rama Rao dismissed the allegations as partisan attempts to malign his reputation, saying the real loss of the event resulted from bad decisions by Revanth Reddy’s government.

Alleged breach of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

– State Government has no role in deciding any violation of MCC. If there is, the Election Commission of India (ECI) would have already issued notices. Why does the government want to get involved in the matter which is outside its jurisdiction unless there is a political reason? Since the entry into force of the Model Code of Conduct on October 9, 2023, the petitioner has become functus officio. The petitioner is in no way concerned with the alleged irregularities, if any

According to the new agreement, there is a financial commitment of approximately 600 million lei for the next three years. No prior permissions were obtained from the finance department before entering into the new agreement.

– The statement that there is a financial commitment of 600 million lei along with additional recurring expenses for the next three years is not correct, the figures have been inflated without any substance. In fact, by not making the balance payment to the FEO, the state lost substantial revenue.

On corruption charges

– All payments were made through Indian Overseas Bank of HMDA. If there was any corruption, why was no case filed against the organizers of Formula E races. The government has not provided any concrete evidence of unfair personal gain, except for baseless allegations. If there is any loss due to the Formula E race, it is only because of the senseless decisions and ill-conceived actions of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.