KTR Rejected Opposition's Allegations

Information Technology Minister KT Rama Rao on Saturday rejected allegations levelled against him by opposition parties that he was somehow connected to illegal sand mining in the Rajanna-Siricilla district as well as in any illegal activity related to such mining or transporation of sand. He further declared that he would rather quit politics than to be a part of any action or activity that causes harm to anyone. The Minister, who also hold the Mines and Geology portfolio, was speaking at the 127th birthday celebrations of BR Ambedkar here.

He said the opposition parties had tried to project “a small incident that took place in the district as a huge one by bringing in their national level leaders,” and tried to discredit him and hold him responsible for what happened. It may be recalled that some months ago, the police in the district had caught and beaten up some persons resulting in some of them losing their lives. Those beaten up by the police were at that time reportedly trying to stop the local sand mafia from illegally carting away sand. Following this incident, opposition parties alleged that Rama Rao was involved in the entire incident.“I never done anything wrong and will not do so in the future. I will quit politics if such a situation ever arises. I will never do injustice to Dalits and other weaker sections,” Rama Rao said.

On Ambedkar, he said the proper way to treat his legacy was not just as a leader of Dalits but as a leader of the country on par with Mahatma Gandhi. When women in several countries did not even have the right to vote, Ambedkar ensured that Indian women could vote.

Referring the spark of agitations across the country following the Supreme Court’s judgment on SC/ST Atrocities Act,  KTR assured to provide equal justice to SCs and STs constitute 16 per cent and 10 per cent of the population respectively in the State.

There were poor families in all castes. But, it was necessary to give top priority for the development of the people (SC, ST and BC) who have been suppressed for long. As a part of its plan, State government has established 700 gurukulam residential schools to provide free education to the students of those communities.