Hyderabad: Gurukul allegations sparked political tension in Hyderabad after Telangana ministers challenged BRS leaders to a public debate over corruption claims in residential schools. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Adluri Laxman and Mohammed Azharuddin reached Gun Park and invited BRS leaders to discuss the issue at the Somajiguda Press Club.
Meanwhile, former minister T. Harish Rao left Telangana Bhavan for Gun Park. However, police stopped him from proceeding, triggering a heated argument and a brief scuffle between BRS workers and police personnel.
Gurukul allegations fuel political confrontation
Speaking to reporters, Ponnam Prabhakar said BRS leaders should participate in the debate if they stood by their allegations. He referred to the corruption claims made by K.T. Rama Rao, Harish Rao and former official R.S. Praveen Kumar.
According to the Minister, the allegations were false and intended to mislead the public. He maintained that the government had conducted the procurement process transparently through tenders handled by four departments. Further, he said any eligible bidder could participate in the process.
He also accused the BRS of targeting welfare initiatives for SC, ST, BC and minority students. Additionally, he challenged the opposition to discuss procurement carried out during the previous BRS government’s tenure.
Finally, Ponnam Prabhakar criticised R.S. Praveen Kumar for making what he described as baseless allegations. He urged political leaders not to make statements based on unverified information.