Shadnagar MLA withdraws comments against Velama community

Faced with fierce criticism from different sections, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud sought an explanation from the MLA. With pressure mounting from all quarters, the Shadnagar MLA withdrew his comments

Hyderabad: After the row over his derogatory comments on the Velama community, Shadnagar MLA Veerlapally Shankar on Saturday withdrew his comments.

Faced with fierce criticism from different sections, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud sought an explanation from the MLA. With pressure mounting from all quarters, the Shadnagar MLA withdrew his comments.

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“My intention was not to abuse the entire Velama community but to raise objections over the social suppression of the Kalvakuntla family. The word Velama was intended to that family but not to the entire community. However, I withdraw my comments,” Shankar said.

Members of the Velama community at different places had lodged complaints with the police.

Condemning the legislator’s comments, they demanded an unconditional apology from the MLA by Saturday evening, failing which they would intensify their protests and lay siege to his residence.