Hans News Service

Hyderabad:Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday dismissed reports of differences with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, asserting that Congress leaders should not be viewed through the lens of caste and that party decisions are taken democratically by the high command.

Responding to queries regarding leadership roles in Kochi, Bhatti emphasized that he does not view party colleagues on a caste basis, affirming that all leaders abide by high command directives. He stated that he is working together 100 per cent with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and cabinet colleagues to implement Congress ideology across Telangana.

Asserting that Congress ideology remains the ultimate safeguard for the nation, Bhatti appealed to former party leaders, including YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Mamata Banerjee, and Sharad Pawar, to return to the Congress fold. He highlighted that the party possesses the vision to unite diverse societal sections while pursuing holistic development.

Recalling his close association with former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Bhatti shared that participating in an intensive five-day training programme for young legislators strengthened his commitment to party principles.

Addressing federal finance, Bhatti demanded justice for southern states in central resource allocation, pointing out that despite contributing significantly to national revenue, southern states receive disproportionately lower returns.

He noted that under Goods and Services Tax distribution, for every rupee contributed, southern states receive merely 43 paise back, whereas states like Bihar receive up to two rupees, urging equitable financial devolution.

Additionally, Bhatti raised serious concerns over voter list deletions and Election Commission operations, warning that public confidence in constitutional bodies is at risk. Demanding that the Centre apologize for alleged misuse of the Election Commission, he called for comprehensive electoral reforms to safeguard democracy and the Constitution.