Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday said that he was ready to accept the challenge posed by Panchayat Raj Minister K T Rama Rao on giving resignation from the post if TRS wins 100 seats in the GHMC elections.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Legislature Party office here, Shabbir Ali said KTR's challenge was not only pre-mature, but symbolised his arrogance and over-confidence.
"He challenged opposition parties even before the announcement of reserved seats. Now the first phase of GHMC election process is over. All official candidates are in the fray and battle lines drawn. At this stage, I'm willing to accept KTR's challenge if he agrees to quit as minister if TRS does not win 100 seats," he said.
Stating the TRS Government's popularity was on the decline, Shabbir Ali alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao himself is trying to do some damage control by intimidating the candidates and leaders of opposition parties.
He alleged that KCR himself spoke to nearly 200 opposition candidates on Thursday asking them to withdraw from elections.
At other places, even local police was used to intimidate the candidates.
"This is an open misuse of official machinery and abuse of power. I appeal to the DGP and Police Commissioner to look into the specific complaints which we have referred and direct the policemen not to interfere in political matters. They must do their duty and not act as agents of ruling party. Although we were in power for over 45 years, we never misused police or other official machinery for elections," he said.
