BRS hits back at BJP over MIM MLC controversy

BRS General Secretary RS Praveen Kumar criticised BJP State president N. Ramchander Rao for failing to condemn the POCSO case involving Bandi Bhageerath, while highlighting the party’s silence on crimes against women and contrasting it with MIM’s swift action against Mirza Rahmath Baig.

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) sought an explanation from BJP State president N Ramchander Rao over the party’s alleged failure to condemn the POCSO case involving Bandi Bhageerath.

Reacting to Ramchander Rao’s criticism that the BRS was maintaining silence over the controversy involving MIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig, BRS General Secretary RS Praveen Kumar urged him not to make reckless statements.

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Praveen Kumar questioned why Ramchander Rao did not participate in State-wide protests when a minor girl was allegedly raped by the son of a BJP Union Minister. He also asked why the BJP State president did not demand the Union Minister’s resignation.

In the case involving MIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig, the alleged victim had not lodged a complaint, Praveen Kumar said. He pointed out that MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, after learning about the incident, directed the MLC to resign and suspended him from the party.

The BRS General Secretary said that if Owaisi had any videos or information related to the alleged victim, he should immediately take her to the local police or DGP to ensure justice. The police could then conduct an investigation, he added.

Rahmath Baig had also lodged a complaint alleging that deepfake videos were created to spread false propaganda against him, Praveen Kumar said. In contrast, he pointed out that a complaint was lodged by the victim in the Bandi Bhageerath case.

Despite allegedly being threatened, subjected to a “honey-trap” accusation and mentally harassed, the victim had bravely lodged a complaint, Praveen Kumar said. He alleged that when Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy attempted to dilute the case by registering it under minor sections, the BRS fought on behalf of the victim.

The BRS continued its fight until the charges were upgraded to serious sections and the accused was sent to jail, he claimed. Praveen Kumar questioned why Ramchander Rao did not speak about Bandi Sanjay at the BJP office and why not even a single woman leader of the party had spoken out.

He also alleged that the BJP had a history of supporting or parading accused persons in cases involving crimes against women, citing the Bilkis Bano and Unnao cases.

“Bandi Sanjay and Sangappa must be suspended. Only then is it appropriate for Ramchander Rao to speak about the BRS,” Praveen Kumar demanded. He said the BRS condemned atrocities against girls and women.