Panchayat Raj Minister K. Tarakarama Rao has refused to apologise for the anti-Seemandhra statements issued by TRS leaders during the statehood movement.
Participating in a live programme on a private television news channel on Thursday evening, KTR said there was no need for TRS leaders to apologise for the stand they took during the Telangana movement. He said that the party's stand during the movement was correct. However, now after the formation of Telangana State, it is the duty of TRS Government to protect the interest of all sections of society, including those hailing from Seemandhra and other States. He said not a single incident has been reported in the city since TRS took over and the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the city was a proof that TRS Government was not discriminating against anyone.
KTR also reiterated that TRS would win 100 seats in the GHMC elections and the main opposition Congress would be confined to single digit. He said even internal surveys done by the Congress revealed that the party would not win even 10 seats. He also denied reports of TRS party's secret understanding with MIM. He said that the TRS was contesting on all 150 wards and it would aggressively campaign in the Old City.
He also announced that the TRS would release the first list of candidates on Friday.