Published Sep 17, 2026 | 7:14 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 17, 2026 | 7:15 PM
Mahesh Kumar Goud, T Harish Rao and Addanki Dayakar.
Synopsis: BRS leader T Harish Rao has filed a criminal defamation complaint against TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Government Whip Addanki Dayakar for allegedly claiming that he had performed black magic rituals wishing that rains would not fall in Telangana. Rao’s lawyers filed the complaint before the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for elected representatives at Nampally on 17 September, after Goud and Dayakar reportedly refused to apologise for the remarks.
BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader T Harish Rao has filed a criminal defamation complaint against TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Government Whip Addanki Dayakar for allegedly claiming that he had performed black magic rituals wishing that rains should not fall in Telangana.
Rao’s lawyers filed the complaint on 17 September before the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for elected representatives at Nampally.
The comments allegedly followed Rao’s visit to the Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple in Karnataka with his family as “a Hindu and a devotee as part of a spiritual trip”, according to the complaint.
The former Minister alleged that Goud and Dayakar deliberately distorted the visit and made the allegations with political motives, in an attempt to damage his reputation and insult his personal faith.
The complaint also alleges that the comments were meant to divert attention from the BRS seeking accountability from the Congress government for its promised implementation of the six guarantees, irrigation projects, drought relief and farmers’ problems.
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The case follows legal notices issued by Rao’s team to both leaders last month, demanding that they withdraw their statements and issue an unconditional public apology.
According to the complaint, Goud allegedly refused to accept the legal notice, while Dayakar responded by defending his remarks.
Rao said that he had been in public life for nearly two decades, had been elected as an MLA seven times and had served in several key ministerial positions, contributing to the development of Telangana.
“If anyone makes baseless allegations for political gain, I will face them legally. I have full faith in the judiciary,” he said.
The complaint seeks action against the two Congress leaders under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Video evidence and newspaper clippings related to the alleged statements were also submitted to the court through pen drives, according to the complaint.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
