Verbal clash erupts between Ministers Vivek Venkataswamy and Harish Rao over ration cards

Hyderabad: A heated verbal clash broke out between Congress Minister Vivek Venkataswamy and former BRS Minister T. Harish Rao over ration card distribution in Siddipet. Both leaders exchanged sharp words and threw challenges after Vivek criticised the BRS government’s record.

Vivek accuses BRS of neglecting poor families

Speaking at a ration card distribution programme at the Siddipet Collectorate, Minister Vivek accused the BRS of failing to issue even a single ration card during its ten-year rule. He said the Congress government, in contrast, had provided lakhs of new ration cards within one year of coming to power.

Vivek asserted that the Congress government prioritised transparency and welfare, ensuring benefits reached every eligible family. He said the new ration cards were proof of the government’s commitment to public welfare.

Harish Rao challenges Vivek’s statement

Former Minister T. Harish Rao strongly refuted Vivek’s remarks. He said the BRS government had issued 6.5 lakh ration cards during its tenure. Harish challenged Vivek to prove otherwise and declared he would resign from his MLA post if proven wrong.

Soon after, BRS workers staged protests, alleging that officials ignored protocol during the event. Congress supporters countered with slogans, leading to a brief scuffle between the two groups. Police stepped in and removed the BRS activists to restore peace.