Revanth Reddy continues vitriolic attack on BRS, alleges that Governor was ‘influenced’
CM Revanth Reddy accused BRS of influencing the Governor to stall the BC reservation ordinance, praised Minister Kamalakar for supporting the 42 per cent quota, and highlighted tensions over weaker sections’ unity while acknowledging guidance from the Congress high command
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy continued his vitriolic attack on the BRS, also alleging that opposition parties had influenced Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to stall the promulgation of an ordinance seeking to increase BC reservations in the State.
Speaking in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the ordinance was issued to address the 50 per cent reservation ceiling under the Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, and was sent to the Governor for approval.
“However, the Governor believed their words. He was once a Finance Minister and had a friendship with a former Finance Minister from the State. There was behind-the-scenes lobbying, and as per their demand, the ordinance was sent to the President for assent,” Revanth Reddy alleged.
He praised former Minister Gangula Kamalakar for welcoming an increase in BC reservations but said the BRS leadership was unhappy with the move. Urging Kamalakar not to bow to party pressure, he added: “Just to please your leaders, do not oppose this effort. If there is anything, I will take care, and do not fear them. We are old friends and do not heed their pressure.”
The Chief Minister further alleged that BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao’s family was opposed to unity among weaker sections. “It is not the Kalvakuntla family but the Kalavakunda family. They do not want BCs and OCs to stay united,” he remarked, asking Kamalakar not to criticise BC Minister Ponnam Prabhakar merely to please the BRS leadership.
Interestingly, after claiming he functioned with “100 per cent autonomy” without interference from the Congress high command, the Chief Minister appeared to contradict himself by admitting that he followed the leadership’s directions.
“Without Rahul Gandhi’s instructions, can Revanth Reddy take any decision? Everything is being done as per his assurance to extend 42 per cent reservations,” he stated.
