KTR defended the Formula E race, citing an $82 million economic boost per a Nielsen report, stressing its global impact and sustainability focus. He denied wrongdoing, citing transparent bank transactions
Published Jun 13, 2025 | 9:21 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 13, 2025 | 9:21 PM
KTR summoned by ACB in Formula E case, calls It political vendetta
Synopsis: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau has summoned BRS leader KT Rama Rao for questioning on June 16 over alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Formula E Race. KTR hit back on social media, accusing CM Revanth Reddy of using the probe as a political diversion. A parallel ED inquiry further intensifies the escalating political showdown
The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has issued a fresh notice to BRS Working President KT Rama Rao to appear for questioning on Monday, 16 June, at 10 AM, regarding alleged financial irregularities in organising the second edition of the Hyderabad Formula E Race.
The development has intensified political tension, with KTR accusing Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of orchestrating a “circus” to divert attention from governance failures. As KTR prepares to face the ACB, the case, coupled with a parallel Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, could escalate political sparring in Telangana.
On Friday, 13 June, 2025, KTR confirmed the ACB summons on X, launching a scathing attack on Revanth Reddy. He described the investigation as a “circus” led by a “clown CM” to mask the Congress government’s administrative shortcomings. KTR stated, “When you cannot govern, distract with a circus! Congress and its CM’s antics won’t deter us. I have been summoned by the ACB for ‘investigation’ on Monday at 10 AM regarding the Formula E Race.”
KTR challenged Revanth Reddy to a lie-detector test before a judge and media, asserting his innocence and accusing the chief minister of engaging in “vendetta politics.”
KTR slammed Revanth Reddy, stating, “This CM dons a new disguise daily to shift focus from his failures. No matter how many notices he sends, this bankrupt Congress government cannot silence the voice of Telangana’s people.”
KTR said that the first edition of the Formula E event brought global recognition to Hyderabad and Telangana. He accused Revanth Reddy of canceling the second edition, scheduled for February 10, 2024, for political reasons. “Every rupee was spent transparently, and the truth is clear,” KTR affirmed.
He also referred to Revanth Reddy’s involvement in the 2015 “Vote-for-Note” scandal, where the Chief Minister was allegedly caught with cash, a case still pending with the ACB. KTR dared Revanth Reddy: “Since we both face ACB probes, let’s take a lie-detector test live on television before a judge. Let Telangana’s people decide who is guilty.”
The Formula E race, an international electric car racing event, was hosted in Hyderabad on 11 February, 2023, under the BRS regime, marking a significant milestone. After the Congress government assumed power in December 2023, the second edition, planned for 10 February 10, was canceled.
The ACB registered a case on 17 February, 2024, against KTR, former Municipal Administration and Urban Development Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, and former Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Chief Engineer BLN Reddy. The case alleges an unauthorized transfer of ₹55 crore, including ₹9 crore in taxes, from HMDA to Formula E Operations (FEO), a UK-based company, without approvals from the state cabinet, finance department, or HMDA board.
As Municipal Administration Minister during the event, KTR is accused of approving the funds transfer after the original private promoter, Ace Nxt Gen Pvt. Ltd., withdrew. The ACB has collected documentary evidence and statements from Formula E organisers, including Greenko Group’s Managing Director, to support the allegations.
KTR was questioned by the ACB on 9 January, 2025, and by the ED on 16 January, 2025, in a related money laundering probe. The Telangana High Court dismissed KTR’s petition to quash the FIR in January 2025.
KTR had in the past defended the Formula E race, citing a Nielsen report estimating an $82 million economic benefit for Telangana. He highlighted its role in elevating Hyderabad’s global profile and promoting sustainable mobility, with participation from Union Ministers. KTR denied any misappropriation, stating that payments were made via transparent bank-to-bank transactions.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
