Article Today, Hyderabad:
A public spat between two Bahujan ministers in the Telangana Congress government has triggered political unease within the ruling party. The controversy erupted after Backward Class (BC) Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar allegedly made body-shaming remarks about Scheduled Caste (SC) Minister Adluri Lakshman during a public event in Jubilee Hills. The comments have drawn criticism from Dalit groups and prompted intervention from the party high command.
Remarks Spark Outrage
During a campaign event in Jubilee Hills, Minister Prabhakar reportedly expressed frustration over Lakshman’s delayed arrival and made remarks that were perceived as derogatory. Sources said Prabhakar was scheduled to leave for Delhi soon after the event and lost his temper in front of media microphones. The remarks angered Minister Lakshman, who is said to have called Prabhakar directly to express his displeasure. Prabhakar later clarified that his comments were not directed at Lakshman personally but at the event staff for poor coordination. However, Lakshman is said to have rejected the explanation, telling him curtly that the matter was left to his “discretion.”
Dalit Organisations Demand Apology
The controversy escalated after several Dalit organisations condemned Prabhakar’s comments as “body-shaming” and “caste-insensitive.” They demanded a public apology, arguing that such behaviour undermines the unity between BC and SC communities within the Congress government. Minister Lakshman reportedly set a deadline for Prabhakar to apologise, deepening the rift between the two leaders.
Party Leadership Steps In
Alarmed by the growing internal discord, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Goud intervened to defuse tensions. He reportedly held a meeting with both ministers and advised restraint. Meanwhile, Lakshman is said to have lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and is considering escalating the matter to AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan and other senior party leaders. Party insiders fear the issue could harm the image of the government if left unresolved.
Political Rivalry in Karimnagar Behind the Feud
Political observers believe the dispute runs deeper than a single incident. Sources indicate that an ongoing rivalry among ministers from the undivided Karimnagar district—Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Adluri Lakshman—may have fuelled the confrontation. Prabhakar is reportedly frustrated over what he perceives as growing influence of his colleagues in the district’s administration. His recent public statements expressing dissatisfaction about not being allowed to hoist the flag in Karimnagar headquarters on September 17 are seen as signs of his discontent.
Underlying Tensions Within the Cabinet
The latest episode highlights simmering tensions within the Congress cabinet, particularly among leaders representing the Bahujan communities. Political analysts say such disputes could weaken the social coalition that helped the Congress return to power in Telangana. The leadership, therefore, faces the challenge of restoring cohesion and ensuring that personal and regional rivalries do not derail the party’s governance agenda.
