Hyderabad: Tungaturthi MLA Mandula Samuel issued a clarification and expressed regret after his remarks triggered a political row.
Addressing a media conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, he stated he held Brahmins in high regard. He said he had not intended to insult any community. However, he added that he regretted the situation if his remarks caused hurt.
In his explanation, the MLA referred to regular visits to a temple in Arvapalli in his constituency, where he sought blessings from priests. He maintained that he respected all castes and religions even before entering politics. He insisted that his remarks did not target Brahmins and urged them not to feel offended.
Recalling his background, he said he rose through hardship and faced multiple humiliations in life. He described himself as someone who stitched footwear and worked his way up in public life.
Political response involving Mandula Samuel
Reacting to criticism, he called comments made by Bandi Sanjay inappropriate. He said Dalit groups would organise a march in Karimnagar in response. He pointed to his electoral strength in Tungaturthi and said he secured a margin of 52,000 votes, while the BJP polled around 2,000 votes.
Citing party history, he said the Congress had honoured leaders such as Ambedkar, Jagjivan Ram and Meira Kumar by giving them key positions. He described the party as secular and committed to social representation.
Issuing a warning, he asked Bandi Sanjay to refrain from further remarks and said he would file cases if provoked. He also urged Sanjay, as a Union Minister, to bring funds for Telangana’s development.