Fear of BJP surge behind CM’s false narrative: Kishan

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the growing popularity of the Bharatiya Janata Party has unnerved the Congress, leading the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to make “false and misleading statements” out of fear of an imminent BJP victory. He rejected claims of a triangular contest, stating that the real fight is between the BJP and the Indian National Congress, and recalled that in recent MP and MLC elections, particularly in North Telangana, the BJP had secured a significant public mandate.

Kishan Reddy addressed the media at his residence in Delhi on Tuesday and launched a sharp attack on the Congress government and Chief Minister, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party is receiving overwhelming public support in the ongoing municipal elections across Telangana.

He alleged that both Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi are attempting to influence voters by distributing money after witnessing the strong response BJP candidates are receiving during campaigns. Emphasising the Centre’s role in urban and rural development, Kishan Reddy said schemes such as Swachh Bharat, PM Kisan, free food grains, Jan Dhan accounts, toilet construction and AMRUT have directly benefited municipalities, questioning the Chief Minister’s criticism of the Centre. He challenged the state government to transparently disclose whether more funds were provided by the Centre or the state during the last two-and-a-half years.

Responding strongly to personal remarks made against him, the Union Minister said he had never indulged in personal attacks but condemned the “degrading political discourse” of the Chief Minister. He also accused Congress and BRS of having tacit understandings with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, alleging backdoor electoral arrangements and mutual support.

Kishan Reddy expressed deep anguish over the death of BJP candidate Erukala Mahadevappa in Makthal municipality, alleging sustained intimidation and pressure by Congress leaders. He demanded a high-level or judicial inquiry, citing a complaint by the candidate’s wife that political harassment over the past 15 days led to the tragic incident.

He reiterated that the BJP is committed to nation-building and challenged the Congress leadership to act on its past claims against BRS leaders. Asserting that the BJP has won successive elections since Revanth Reddy became Chief Minister, Kishan Reddy declared with confidence that the BJP will emerge victorious in the municipal elections. If voted to power in next Assembly polls, the union minister promised accountability and probe for alleged irregularities under Congress and BRS rule in Telangana states.