Hans News Service Hyderabad

TelanganaPradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud on Wednesday said the Congress party respected BRS chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and had never wished him ill. Addressing the media at the Assembly media point on Wednesday, Goud said the Congress wished KCR a long and healthy life. He noted that as Leader of the Opposition, KCR was being provided security by the government second only to that of the Chief Minister.

Goud said respecting opposition leaders was part of the Congress culture and cited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy as examples.

He recalled that the Congress government had facilitated medical treatment for Vajpayee when he was unwell and supported Jaipal Reddy during his medical treatment. He also said that after Congress came to power in Telangana, KCR was shifted to a hospital through a “Green Channel” after he reportedly suffered a fall at his residence. Goud said it was inappropriate to blame the Congress for issues concerning KCR’s personal or family matters and alleged that KCR had rarely attended Assembly proceedings.

Goud condemned the reported performance of ‘Pinda Pradanam’ for a sitting Chief Minister by BRS, calling such political practices inappropriate and unhealthy for democratic discourse.

The TPCC president demanded an explanation from BRS leader T Harish Rao over allegations that he commissioned occult rituals allegedly aimed at affecting KCR’s health.

Referring to remarks attributed to K. Kavitha in a video clip, Goud said the allegations required clarification. He also termed comments made by BRS leader Tata Madhu objectionable.

Goud said the Congress had a history of empowering Dalits by appointing members of the community to the country’s highest constitutional positions.

He urged political parties to maintain dignity and a humanitarian approach in public life.