Hyderabad: BRS general secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar on Tuesday criticised Congress leaders over their Harish Rao remarks, accusing them of making baseless allegations against former minister T. Harish Rao and lowering the standards of political discourse.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Praveen Kumar rejected the Congress allegations that Harish Rao had performed alleged occult rituals. He described the claims as malicious and unscientific. He also said political debate should rely on rational and scientific thinking rather than superstition.
Harish Rao remarks trigger demand for apology
Praveen Kumar demanded an apology from Congress leaders Addanki Dayakar, Sama Rammohan Reddy and TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud. He alleged that their comments had hurt the sentiments of Hindus, devotees and Aghoris.
He said he was a devotee of Lord Shiva and claimed the Congress leaders had insulted not only Harish Rao but also devotees through their remarks.
Harish Rao remarks prompt fresh criticism
Praveen Kumar said visiting temples and offering prayers was a constitutional right. He added that Harish Rao was free to visit any temple of his choice.
He questioned the Congress leadership for allegedly tracking Harish Rao’s temple visits. He also warned of serious consequences if Congress leaders failed to apologise. In addition, he urged them to respond to the legal notices issued by Harish Rao.
The BRS leader further alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Congress strategist Sunil Kanugolu were preparing statements for party leaders. He also dismissed the allegations against Harish Rao as politically motivated and said alleged occult rituals could not stop the natural hydrological cycle.