BJP Leader Launches Scathing Attack on Congress
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar delivered a strong political statement on Friday, directly accusing the Congress Party of engaging in what he termed as 'appeasement politics' ahead of the crucial November 11 by-election in Telangana's Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency. The BJP leader made these explosive claims during a media interaction, signaling an intense political battle in the southern state.
Allegations of Political Collusion and Voter Polarization
Sanjay Kumar didn't mince words as he alleged that the Congress in Telangana has effectively transformed into the 'Indian Muslim Congress (IMC)', claiming a strategic collusion between the INC and the All India Majlis e Ittehad ul Muslimeen (AIMIM). According to the minister, the ruling party in the state is deliberately pandering to Muslim voters while ignoring the interests of other communities.
The BJP leader made a significant claim about voter sentiment, asserting that approximately 80% of Hindu voters in the constituency are rallying behind the Bharatiya Janata Party. He emphasized that majority community voters are becoming a solid vote bank for his party, indicating a major shift in political allegiance.
Personal Attacks and Symbolic Politics
Sanjay Kumar took particular aim at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, criticizing what he perceived as inappropriate conduct. 'The chief minister is not speaking in a way that is befitting his stature,' the Union minister stated. He further accused Reddy of making comments that allegedly insulted Indian jawans and seemed to encourage Pakistan.
In a dramatic statement that highlighted his political stance, Sanjay Kumar declared: 'If a day comes when I must wear a skull cap for votes, I'd rather cut off my head. I'm an unapologetic Hindu - I won't insult other faiths by faking a namaz.' This remark was directed at what he described as the Congress leadership's willingness to adopt religious symbols for electoral gains.
The BJP leader questioned whether the Chief Minister had the courage to ask AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to chant 'Vakratunda Mahakaya' or take his brother Akbaruddin Owaisi to Bhagya Lakshmi temple to sing devotional songs. These rhetorical questions were meant to underscore his allegations of unequal political standards.
Demand for Probe and Electoral Context
Sanjay Kumar also raised serious concerns about the death of former legislator Maganti Gopinath, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances. He pointed out that the deceased's mother had described the death as a 'mystery,' adding weight to his call for an official probe.
The by-poll in Jubilee Hills was necessitated by the death of three-time MLA Maganti Gopinath of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The electoral contest features V Naveen Yadav from the Congress, Sunitha (Gopinath's widow) representing BRS, and Lankala Deepak Reddy as the BJP candidate.
Sanjay Kumar expressed confidence in BJP's prospects, claiming that the BRS has been sidelined as Muslim voters shift their support to Congress. He framed the contest as essentially between the BJP and what he repeatedly called the 'Indian Muslim Congress (IMC),' completely dismissing the Congress party's secular credentials.
The elections are scheduled for November 11, with vote counting set to take place on November 14. The BJP leader urged the Hindu community in Jubilee Hills to consolidate their votes, dismissing what he called 'fake surveys' and expressing confidence in his party's ability to secure a significant victory.
