Amidst growing concerns, former Minister and BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy has urged for transparency regarding Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s health. Reddy expressed worries about the lack of public appearances by the Chief Minister, emphasizing the necessity for the people to be informed about his health status through official channels.
In a letter addressed to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Reddy stressed the importance of regular health bulletins, a standard practice for high-ranking officials, which has been noticeably absent in this case.
The letter is as follows:
Hon’ble Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan,
I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen. Over the past couple of weeks the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri K Chandrasekhar Rao has not been seen in public. There has been a veil of secrecy about his health condition. It was revealed few days ago that he had mild viral lung infection. Yesterday, suddenly a disclosure has been, purportedly, made by his son and Minister Shri KT Rama Rao that his father has secondary (bacterial) infection of the lungs.
I am personally aware, having been the son of well known public figure who was twice Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and Governor of four different states, of protocols followed in such situations. When ever there are instances of illness of a person holding such a high public office, regular health bulletins are put out by the hospital authorities and state government health officials. This is not to be seen in this instance.
Many people have expressed concern over the condition of Shri Chandrasekhar Rao. This is more so in view of what has been discussed in many circles, that pressure is being exerted on him by his immediate family members to anoint his son Shri KT Rama Rao as the Chief Minister. This has gained more credence after his planned foray into national politics some time ago.
The concern of the people is because of the fate of some eminent personalities like Late Shri Kansiram ji, whose condition was kept shrouded in secrecy from the outside world by his protege Kum. Mayawati, creating doubts in the minds of the people about his real condition. Another instance, more recent, is that of how the health condition of Kim Jayalalithaa was totally wrapped in secrecy, supposedly, at the instance of Smt Sashikala, which also led to several suspicions.
As a son, Shri KT Rama Rao has the right to brief about his father’s condition but in view of the pressure that Shri Chandrasekhar Rao was supposedly subjected to on the succession issue, and even otherwise, the people of Telangana have the right to be properly briefed about their Chief Minister, by competent medical authorities. This will put to rest any possible misgivings of neglect and inadequate or inappropriate care.
I request your good self to direct the state Chief Secretary to do the needful.
With respects,
Yours sincerely
Marri Shashidhar Reddy
The Chief Minister’s health condition was recently disclosed, indicating a mild viral lung infection, further complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Reddy’s request to the Governor also highlights concerns voiced by many, hinting at potential family pressures regarding succession planning, notably the speculation of anointment of his son, K.T. Rama Rao, as the next Chief Minister.
Reddy cited historical instances where concealed health conditions had led to widespread suspicions, emphasizing the need for openness in this matter. The call for transparency resonates not only with political circles but also with the common people, underlining the importance of clear communication during such critical times.