Hyderabad: Several incriminating allegations have emerged regarding the politicization of state-led organizations, including We-Hub and the TS Innovation Cell (TSIC) during the previous BRS government’s tenure. Following Shanta Thoutam’s recent resignation as the former chief innovation officer of TSIC, current and former employees spoke to Deccan Chronicle to share how both organizations functioned with a clear mandate to support and serve as a platform to aid the ruling party at the time.
One former employee at WeHub revealed that employees were asked to bring differently-abled women for an event that BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha was scheduled to address on World Disability Day in 2022. However, Kavitha did not attend the event, leaving the attendees waiting until 8 pm before they were eventually let go. When questioned about the event’s relevance to entrepreneurship, the leadership, primarily WeHub CEO Deepthi Ravula, provided no explanation.
Another employee at WeHub recounted being reprimanded by Ravula for not greeting then MA&UD minister K.T. Rama Rao when he visited the premises. An employee of TSIC also shared how former CEO Thoutam lashed out at her team and subordinates for not voting as per her instructions following the results of the Telangana Assembly elections in December.
Furthermore, it was revealed that public money was used for political motivations, with funds being transferred for a student fest in 2023 to help the BRS gain “student votes” and add to KTR’s brand power. Allegations were also made against Deepthi Ravula, who was accused of actively campaigning for the BRS from the WeHub premises.
Despite these allegations, Deepthi Ravula and Shanta Thoutam did not respond to multiple attempts made by Deccan Chronicle to get their versions of the allegations