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BRS Leader Accuses Congress of Political Harassment

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 20th 2026 at 2:16 GMT
      Locale: INDIA

Hyderabad, India - Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 - Tensions are escalating in Telangana as BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) leader K.T. Rama Rao has publicly condemned a notice from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged illegal phone tapping case. Rao, son of BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao, alleges the timing of the notice--requiring his appearance before the SIT on Wednesday--is a deliberate attempt by the Congress government to politically harass the opposition.

Since December 2023, when the Congress party assumed power, a commitment to investigate allegations of illegal phone tapping of political opponents during the previous BRS administration has been a central theme. The SIT was subsequently established to delve into these claims, which first surfaced publicly last year. Several BRS leaders have been questioned by the SIT in recent months, but Rao's situation is attracting particular scrutiny due to his prominent position within the BRS party.

In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, Rao questioned the sudden urgency of the SIT's request. "I fail to understand why I was served notice after so many months," he stated. "They knew everything months ago. What was the urgency now? Is this an attempt to divert attention from the government's failures?" This sentiment underscores a broader accusation that the Congress government is weaponizing state machinery to target political rivals, effectively attempting to stifle dissent and silence the BRS opposition.

While Rao affirmed his willingness to cooperate with the SIT's investigation, he made it unequivocally clear that he perceives the move as politically motivated harassment. "I will cooperate with the SIT, but I want the government to know that this is nothing but political harassment," Rao declared. He further emphasized that the BRS party would not be intimidated by such tactics, vowing to continue its opposition role regardless of the pressure applied. "They are trying to silence the opposition, but we will not be intimidated."

The allegations center on claims that the previous BRS government, led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao, engaged in illegal surveillance of political opponents, potentially violating privacy laws and constitutional rights. The specifics of who was targeted and the extent of the surveillance remain key aspects of the SIT's ongoing investigation. The leaked information, which prompted the public outcry and subsequent inquiry, has fueled intense political debate and accusations.

The Congress government's handling of this case has been under intense public scrutiny. Promises of transparency and accountability were central to their election campaign, and any perception of bias or political maneuvering could significantly damage their credibility. The SIT's report, when released, is expected to be a pivotal document, potentially influencing public opinion and shaping the political landscape of Telangana for years to come.

Legal experts suggest that the SIT's timing could be open to challenge, with some arguing that the delayed notice could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the upcoming regional elections anticipated in 2028. The BRS party is likely to leverage this narrative to rally support and portray themselves as victims of political persecution. The investigation's impact extends beyond the immediate legal proceedings; it is intrinsically linked to the larger political battle between the BRS and the Congress in Telangana. The Congress government now faces the difficult task of balancing the need for a thorough and impartial investigation with the risk of being perceived as engaging in politically motivated actions. Further updates are expected after K.T. Rama Rao's appearance before the SIT on Wednesday.