Etala Rajender hits back at Bandi Sanjay, vows to fight ‘conspiracies’

Tensions between Telangana BJP MPs Etala Rajender and Bandi Sanjay came out in the open, with Rajender accusing Sanjay of conspiracy and defamation. At a meeting in Shamirpet, he vowed to fight politically and ensure tickets for his supporters in Huzurabad

Hyderabad: The internal discord between Telangana BJP MPs Etala Rajender and Bandi Sanjay has spilled into the open, with the Malkajgiri MP declaring he would rather engage in a straight political fight than a street brawl. He asserted that all conspiracies being hatched against him and his supporters would be thwarted.

“I will come to Huzurabad and ensure all our leaders get tickets to contest the local body elections. Nobody can stop us,” Rajender told his followers at a meeting in Shamirpet on Saturday.

---

The rift between the two MPs, both from the BC community, has been simmering for weeks, with Rajender’s supporters alleging that they were being sidelined within the party.

Tensions escalated after Karimnagar MP and Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay declared during a party workers’ meeting in Huzurabad on Friday that group politics would not be tolerated in the BJP.

“Any leader or worker working for an individual will not be encouraged in the party,” Sanjay had stated.

Reacting sharply, Rajender launched a veiled attack on Sanjay, warning him to mend his ways. “Social media is being used to defame me and instigate the Huzurabad workers. All these cheap tactics will be exposed before the party central leadership,” he said.

Stressing that the people of erstwhile Karimnagar were well aware of his political strength and commitment, Rajender said Huzurabad was known for its spirit of sacrifice, courage and determination. He also emphasised that no party could thrive without the emergence of strong individual leaders.

“I am aware of the hardships being faced by our leaders in Huzurabad. Was there any cadre for BJP before in Huzurabad? BJP secured a 50,000-vote majority in Karimnagar only after I joined the party,” he reminded.

Urging his supporters not to lose heart, Rajender said they did not need to survive on anyone’s mercy. “Coverts are not just in politics but in every field. Just ignore them,” he said.

Recalling his political battles with several powerful leaders, including former Chief Ministers, Rajender said, “We will fight with warriors, not conspirators. Time has witnessed our rise in politics, and no one should underestimate people and their intellect.”