BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao flags valuation doubts in IDBI Bank disinvestment plan

KTR, the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, on X questioned the Union government's plan to sell IDBI Bank to a private buyer, citing worries over the bank's valuation and the handling of its real estate holdings. He said public‑sector undertakings and banks are national assets that must be protected. The leader pointed to reports that IDBI Bank might be undervalued and asked why bidding rules and the valuation method were altered after initial offers fell short of the reserve price. KTR also asked whether the bank's prime Hyderabad land and other valuable properties had been fully accounted for in the price. He noted that IDBI Bank employees have raised concerns that have not been answered by the government. The BRS chief demanded clear answers on the valuation process before any reputable public‑sector bank is transferred to a private entity. He concluded by asking, “What’s the hurry?” about the proposed sale. The query was published on October 31, 2026, as the government moved forward with the disinvestment timeline. KTR emphasized that any undervaluation could cost the nation significant wealth and warned that overlooking the bank’s land holdings could underestimate its true worth. ## Context Disinvestment of public‑sector banks involves the government selling its stake to raise funds, but it also raises questions about asset valuation, employee security and the broader impact on the banking sector.