Telangana Floods: BRS' KTR Slams Revanth Reddy With A "Zero" Post, Says CM Is Tweeting From US, Doing Nothing

As Telangana grapples with severe floods, a heated exchange has erupted between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao, also known as KTR. The BRS leader criticised the Congress-led state government for its handling of the flood crisis, questioning why helicopters were not arranged for rescue operations.

KTR highlighted that neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, managed to deploy six helicopters and 150 boats for rescue efforts. "Appalling attitude by the government in handling the flood situation across the state! Situation in Khammam is even worse. There are three ministers from Khammam region but zero help to the people there. Tired of the apathy, public took to streets. They are demanding basic assistance and help," KTR posted on X as the flood situation worsened.

Political Barbs Over Flood Response

The BRS leader's remarks drew a sharp response from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who accused the opposition of playing politics during a calamity. "KCR did not get out of his farmhouse and KTR is merrily tweeting during his holiday in the US," Mr Reddy told the media. He assured that he and his ministers are actively working on the ground to assist those affected by the floods.

State minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy acknowledged that bad weather prevented choppers from flying to affected areas, which hampered rescue operations and led to loss of lives. However, he emphasised that documentary evidence supports this claim.

Compensation Controversy

KTR also targeted the government over the Rs 5 lakh compensation announced for flood victims. "You demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation while in opposition. Now will you give Rs 5 lakh and throw up your hands?" he asked. This criticism was countered by State Minister for Women and Child Development Seethaka, who questioned why BRS did not provide such compensation when they were in power.

At least 16 people have lost their lives due to the floods in Telangana so far, with property damage estimated at Rs 5,000 crore. Chief Minister Reddy has urged the Centre to declare the floods a natural calamity and provide immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore.

The state government has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for families of those killed in the disaster and Rs 10,000 per acre assistance for crop damage. Mr Reddy has been visiting flood-hit areas and putting out messages to assure people that the government stands by them.