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Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday expressed regret over her alleged inappropriate remarks about her colleague Adaluri Laxman Kumar.
Prabhakar, who is facing criticism from Dalit organizations over his remarks, refused to make any personal comment but said he was sorry if the sentiments of Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Minister Laxman Kumar were hurt.
Prabhakar issued a statement ahead of a meeting called by AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud with the two ministers to resolve the issue, embarrassing the grand old party.
Prabhakar said that Laxman Kumar is like his brother. Prabhakar, who also holds the transport portfolio, said, “The bond of friendship that we have shared in the Congress party for 30 years is beyond politics. The bond and mutual respect between us has always been strong. This is something that no one can break. I have not made any personal comment against him. As a person raised from the grassroots and a leader of the BC community, I will never have such an opinion about anyone.”
“However, due to political malice, some people have distorted my statements and propagated contrary to the truth. I am deeply saddened to know that this misunderstanding has hurt the sentiments of a dear person like Adluri Lakshman Kumar. I am sorry if Adluri Lakshman Kumar’s sentiments have been hurt.”
He said, “Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, we will work tirelessly together to strengthen the principles of the Congress Party and strive for social justice and upliftment of the people.”
Prabhakar’s “buffalo” comment had sparked controversy and some Dalit organizations had called for protests. In view of the call for protest, police had tightened security at his residence in Karimnagar.
Prabhakar had reportedly made the remarks when Laxman Kumar did not turn up on time for a campaign meeting in Jubilee Hills assembly constituency a few days ago.
Reacting to this, Laxman Kumar accused Ponnam Prabhakar of abusing him because he comes from Scheduled Caste and demanded an apology.
Laxman Kumar said that his complaint will be sent to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. He said that the party made him a minister because he comes from Madiga caste (Scheduled Caste).
“I don’t talk in such an arrogant manner. I thought he would realize his mistake. We will see today and tomorrow. If there is no change and if he (Ponnam Prabhakar) still says so, I will not be responsible for the consequences,” Laxman Kumar told his supporters on Tuesday.
Ponnam Prabhakar had denied making any derogatory remarks about Laxman Kumar. Stating that his words were twisted, he said he had made the comment while referring to the delay in confirming his flight ticket.
–IANS
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