HYD: In a striking show of solidarity with struggling auto drivers, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao traveled in an auto from Jubilee Hills Check Post to Telangana Bhavan on Monday, highlighting the plight of thousands of drivers who, he said, have been “crushed under the three-colored flag” during the two years of Congress rule.

KTR alleged that 161 auto drivers had committed suicide in the last two years after being deceived by false promises of ₹1,000 monthly assistance and a welfare board. He accused the Congress government of betraying the poor, saying, “They can’t give gold to brides or increase pensions, but CM Revanth Reddy and his ministers are drowning in commissions.”

Speaking at a meeting organized by the BRTU under State President Rambabu Yadav, KTR narrated his interaction with auto driver Masrat Ali, with whom he traveled. “Masrat had two autos earlier—one rented and one driven by him. Today, he drives a hired auto, earning barely ₹600 a day compared to ₹2,500 during KCR’s rule,” he said, asserting that “Indiramma Rajyam” has brought only misery to the poor.

He said Revanth Reddy, who once accused Modi and KCR of hiking diesel prices, has failed to reduce them after coming to power. “Auto drivers who lived with dignity under KCR are now on the roads. The Congress has betrayed every promise made to the working class,” he charged.

KTR lambasted the Chief Minister over recent controversies involving Minister Konda Surekha’s daughter Sushmita, alleging that “the CM’s family and followers are steeped in corruption and land grabbing.” He said, “When a minister’s daughter exposes the CM’s illegal dealings, what more proof does the public need?”

Calling the Congress a “Dandupalyam batch looting Telangana,” KTR alleged that Revanth Reddy’s government is distributing cash for votes in Jubilee Hills while denying welfare to the poor. “The fate of four crore Telangana people rests in the hands of four lakh voters of Jubilee Hills,” he declared, urging them to “teach Congress a lesson” by voting for the car symbol.

The BRS leader warned voters to be cautious of “symbols resembling the car” on the ballot and reaffirmed that a victory for BRS candidate Sunitha Laxma Reddy would “revive KCR’s people-friendly governance.”

The event saw a strong show of unity, with former ministers Harish Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, and RS Praveen Kumar joining KTR in traveling by autos to Telangana Bhavan. Auto drivers and minority leaders from Borabanda, Sheikhpet, and Rahmatnagar areas also joined the BRS, pledging support to the party’s campaign.

KTR concluded by saying, “Congress promised heaven but delivered despair. Telangana’s workers, drivers, and poor will drive them out in Jubilee Hills.”