White Challenge: Telangana Minister KTR files defamation suit

Riled by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee President Revanth Reddy's tweets, Minister KT Rama Rao has filed a defamation suit. The Minister for Municipal Admin and Urban Development, Industry & Commerce, IT in a heated argument on Twitter challenged Rahul Gandhi of undergoing drug test.

Hyderabad: Riled by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee President Revanth Reddy's tweets, Minister KT Rama Rao has filed a defamation suit. The Minister for Municipal Admin and Urban Development, Industry & Commerce, IT in a heated argument on Twitter challenged Rahul Gandhi of undergoing drug test.

"Today I have invoked the legal process and filed a suit for defamation and injunction before the Hon’ble court. I am confident that the Court process will clinchingly vindicate the falsity of the canards and lies spread against me and the culprits will be brought to book appropriately," tweeted Rao.

"I am ready for any test and will travel to AIIMS Delhi if Rahul Gandhi is willing to join. It’s below my dignity to do it with Cherlapally jail alumni If I take the test and get a clean chit, will you apologise & quit your posts? Are you ready for a lie detector test on #Note4Vote," wrote Rao on the micro-blogging site.

Reddy raked up the Tollywood drugs case and called for White Challenge urging Ministers and celebrities to take up the drug test. "To create awareness in the youth on increasing drug menace in the country…I have started the #WhiteChallenge and @KVishReddy has graciously accepted …Both of us will be waiting for @KTRTRS at Amaraveerula Sthupam today at 12 noon," tweeted Reddy.

Lashing out at KTR over corruption charges in Sahara Provident Fund and ESI hospital construction scandals, Reddy also urged Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao of lie detector test. "Indicate time and place @KTRTRS for lie detector test along with KCR on CBI cases on corruption charges in Sahara Provident Fund and ESI hospital construction scandals."

In an intriguing turn of incidents, former MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy accepted the White Challenge and said that he will be present at Gun Park on Monday. "I accept the #WhiteChallenge and I will be there tomorrow 12 pm at Gun Park," tweeted Vishweshwar. "I am against drugs not only as a social activist, but also as a PARENT. Drugs have become prevalent in Telangana. Many rich kids are taking drugs and they are ruining their lives. Now drugs are spreading across the society ruining families and society," wrote Vishweshwar.

All India Congress Committee Incharge for Telanagana, Manickam Tagore also joined the war of words. "Good to see @KVishReddy garu accepting the #WhiteChallenge of @revanth_anumulagaru , Will the “Brand Ambassidar 4Drugs “accept it ?" Tagore tweeted.

Revanth Reddy threw the White Challenge in the context of the ongoing Tollywood drugs case. The case has been investigated by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with money laundering. Several actors and persons related to film field have been quizzed. The drugs racket was busted on July 2, 2017, when customs officials arrested Calvin Mascarenhas, a musician, and two others and seized drugs worth Rs 30 lakh from their possession.