Rewind 2024 Telangana: A Year of Political Turmoil, Scandals, and Transformation

Telangana witnessed a whirlwind of events in 2024 that reshaped its political landscape, sparked controversies, and drew national attention. From arrests and corruption allegations to infrastructure controversies and political migrations, here’s a detailed recap of the year's pivotal moments.

The Arrest of Kavitha and Its Fallout

Kalvakuntla Kavitha, a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), was arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor scam on March 15, 2024. Arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), her detention followed extensive searches by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at her residence.

The investigation revealed Kavitha’s alleged involvement through testimonies and evidence presented by Arun Ramachandra Pillai. Despite her efforts to challenge the investigation in the Supreme Court, she was sent to Tihar Jail, where she spent five and a half months before being granted bail on August 27, 2024.

Post-release, Kavitha denounced the charges, claiming she was targeted for political reasons, and vowed retaliation against those who tarnished her family’s reputation. Her arrest not only embarrassed the BRS but also energized opposition parties, particularly the Congress and BJP, which used the scandal as ammunition against the ruling party.

Phone Tapping Controversy: An Endless Saga

The phone tapping scandal shook Telangana politics, with accusations and arrests intensifying public discourse. Congress leader Revanth Reddy, now the Chief Minister, accused the previous KCR-led government of illegally tapping phones of opposition leaders and key figures.

After assuming office, Revanth established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The investigation led to the arrest of several individuals, including retired officer Radhakishan Rao and serving officials. Former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) OSD Prabhakar Rao, named as the prime accused, fled to the US, citing medical treatment for cancer. Interpol was approached for his extradition.

The case took dramatic turns with confessions from suspects who admitted to tapping phones of political leaders, business magnates, and celebrities. Evidence, including hard disks and tapped communication data, was retrieved from the Musi River. The scandal not only implicated senior officials but also highlighted misuse of state intelligence machinery.

Hydra and the Revival of Musi River

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (Hydra), established to curb encroachments and protect government land, played a controversial yet transformative role this year.

In August, Hydra demolished the N Convention Center in Madhapur, claiming it was illegally constructed on encroached pond land. While actor Nagarjuna, the alleged owner, denied these allegations and sought relief from the High Court, the demolition had already been executed. Hydra also reclaimed 120 acres of government land and demolished 314 illegal structures across Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.

Simultaneously, the government announced ambitious plans to revive the Musi River. Inspired by global models like the Thames in London and Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon, the government allocated ₹150 crores for the river’s rejuvenation. Efforts included relocation of 12,000 residents from the river’s banks and plans to provide alternative housing. While opposition parties criticized the displacements, the government assured rehabilitation through double-bedroom housing schemes.

Kaleshwaram and Power Purchase Controversies

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, once hailed as a marvel, became mired in controversy. Allegations of irregularities in its construction and power purchase agreements prompted the Revanth government to establish judicial commissions.

Investigations into the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages pointed to inflated costs and procedural violations. Additionally, a report submitted by the commission in November highlighted anomalies in power purchase agreements with Chhattisgarh and contracts awarded to BHEL for power plants in Bhadradri and Yadadri.

The findings intensified criticism of the BRS government, with demands for legal action against those involved. The current administration is deliberating the report’s recommendations.

Political Shake-Ups and Parliamentary Elections

The political tide turned against the BRS in 2024. Following its defeat in the assembly elections, the party faced an exodus of leaders to the Congress. Key figures, including Kadiyam Srihari, Danam Nagender, and Arikepudi Gandhi, joined the Congress, weakening the BRS’s organizational strength.

The parliamentary elections in May further underscored the BRS’s decline. For the first time, the party failed to win a single seat, a stark contrast to its nine-seat victory in 2019. The BJP doubled its tally to eight seats, while the Congress also secured eight seats, marking a resurgence.

KCR, largely absent from active politics, retreated to his farmhouse, leaving the party's activities to KTR and Harish Rao. The electoral loss and leadership vacuum cast uncertainty over the party’s future.

Formula-E Car Race Case and KTR’s Legal Battle

The Formula-E car race, once celebrated as a hallmark of Telangana’s global aspirations, turned into a legal quagmire. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case against KTR, alleging misappropriation of funds and violations in awarding contracts.

KTR, named as the prime accused, sought protection from arrest through the High Court, which allowed the investigation to proceed but restrained his arrest until December 30. The case added to the series of blows faced by the BRS and intensified scrutiny on its leadership.

Cultural Setbacks and Public Safety Issues

The year wasn’t devoid of social challenges. A stampede at Sandhya Theater during a screening of Pushpa 2 led to the arrest of actor Allu Arjun, who was later released on interim bail. The incident highlighted lapses in crowd management and raised concerns about public safety at large gatherings.

Looking Ahead

2024 has been a turbulent year for Telangana, with its political, administrative, and cultural landscape undergoing seismic changes. The Congress government, led by Revanth Reddy, faces the daunting task of delivering on its promises while managing controversies inherited from the previous regime.

As the state transitions into 2025, the people of Telangana hope for stability, accountability, and progress. The events of 2024 will undoubtedly shape its political discourse for years to come.