Hans News Service Hyderabad

Politicaltensions intensified after senior BRS leader T Harish Rao alleged a Rs 2,000 crore scam in tenders related to Telangana residential schools. Responding strongly, Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman Kumar refuted the allegations and challenged Harish Rao to prove the charges, stating that both Ministers were ready to resign if corruption was established.

Ponnam Prabhakar questioned the basis of the allegations, stating that the total value of procurement tenders across welfare departments itself does not amount to Rs 2,000 crore. He said making such serious accusations without evidence was inappropriate and could mislead the public.

The Minister defended the government's welfare initiatives, particularly those aimed at weaker sections, and said departments working for the upliftment of poor communities should not be targeted with baseless claims.

He alleged that such remarks reflected a negative attitude towards welfare programmes.

Ponnam said the government functions with transparency and is prepared to face any investigation if wrongdoing is proven. He warned that the people of Telangana would not accept attempts to create confusion through false allegations.

Recalling his political journey, the Minister said he, along with Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar and other leaders, had built their political careers through public service and grassroots work. He said their commitment towards weaker sections and social welfare was evident through their actions.

Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar also reiterated that they were ready to face consequences if any corruption charges against them were proven.

The exchange has added to the ongoing political debate between the ruling Congress and opposition BRS over allegations related to government tenders and welfare schemes.