Hyderabad: Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka has responded to a warning issued in the name of Maoists, who accused her of neglecting tribal rights while holding a key cabinet post.
The Maoist letter expressed anger over the alleged eviction plans affecting 339 tribal villages in Kumuram Bheem district under GO 49. The letter held Seethakka responsible, citing her role in the state cabinet, and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the government order, claiming it facilitates corporate exploitation.
Speaking to reporters at Eturnagaram in Mulugu district, Seethakka reaffirmed that she had opposed GO 49 and had convened a meeting with her party’s MPs and MLAs to address the issue. She said both she and Forest Minister Konda Surekha had directed forest officials not to interfere with Adivasi areas.
She added that apart from a few officers acting under political pressure, the majority of the department was not involved in displacing tribal communities.
Seethakka stated that she had never forgotten her roots and indirectly advised Maoists to speak only facts. Her restrained tone and emphasis on her commitment to tribal welfare stood out in her reaction.