HYDERABAD: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, challenging him to an open debate on central funds allocated to the state. He accused Sanjay of resorting to baseless allegations against the Congress government and demanded that he answer key questions concerning BJP’s role in Telangana’s development.
Mahesh Kumar Goud questioned whether Sanjay had the courage to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the distribution of subsidised rice in BJP-ruled states, similar to the initiative in Telangana. He further asked if Sanjay would dare urge the Prime Minister to legally ensure 42% reservations for Backward Classes.
He also challenged Sanjay to demand a nationwide caste census along with the general census from the Centre. “Rather than cooperating with Telangana’s development, central ministers Sanjay and Kishan Reddy are obstructing progress at every step,” Mahesh Kumar Goud said, calling their actions shameful.
The TPCC chief defended the Congress government, stating that it is working with a dual focus on development and welfare. He warned that unfounded accusations against the government would not be tolerated. “Do not mistake our patience for weakness,” he cautioned.
Mahesh Kumar Goud alleged that Bandi Sanjay’s campaign against the Congress government was part of an unethical alliance between the BJP and the BRS. He criticised the Centre for taking thousands of crores in taxes from Telangana while providing negligible financial assistance in return.
“It is disgraceful for a Union Minister like Sanjay to make such irresponsible statements,” he said, adding that gas cylinder prices had become a burden for common people. “The BJP government is looting the poor to benefit corporate interests.”
He praised Telangana for being the first state in independent India to distribute fine rice to the underprivileged, calling it a blessing for the needy. “The government spends ₹13,000 crore annually on this initiative,” Goud said, reaffirming Congress’s commitment to welfare and inclusive growth.
