Ponnam Prabhakar’s Alleged Insult to Adluri Laxman Leads to Caste-Based Row Within Telangana Congress
Telangana Minister’s Remark Triggers Political Storm
A heated controversy has erupted within the Telangana Congress after BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar allegedly called his SC Welfare colleague Adluri Laxman a “buffalo” during a Jubilee Hills by-poll campaign event. The remark, reportedly made while the microphone was still live, has gone viral on social media, stirring a major caste-based dispute within the party.
Adluri Laxman Demands Formal Apology, Condemns Caste Insult
- Laxman, who belongs to the Madiga community, released a detailed video condemning the remark as a targeted insult to his marginalized caste.
- He stated, “He can abuse me as Laxman Kumar, but abusing my caste is unacceptable.”
- Laxman warned that if Prabhakar does not apologize, he would hold him responsible for any consequences.
- Plans to escalate the matter to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, are underway.
Ponnam Prabhakar Denies Insult, Claims Words Were Misinterpreted
- Prabhakar denied making any derogatory comments about Laxman.
- He asserted that his words were twisted by opposition parties and that the comment referred to delays in his flight bookings, not Laxman’s tardiness.
- He urged for calm and accused political rivals of trying to create divisions within the Congress.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Calls for Unity
In response to the controversy, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee President Mahesh Kumar Goud urged both ministers to cooperate and maintain party unity, emphasizing the need to resolve differences internally.
Summary
- Telangana BC Welfare Minister allegedly calls SC Welfare Minister a “buffalo” during election event.
- Comment sparks caste-based controversy and social media outrage.
- Adluri Laxman demands public apology and threatens to take the issue to AICC.
- Ponnam Prabhakar denies insult, blaming opposition for misrepresentation.
- TPCC chief calls for calm and unity within Congress.
