The state Congress decided to participate in the polling for Wednesday’s Hyderabad local authorities constituency MLC election to defeat the BJP and protect democratic values.
Hyderabad:The state Congress decided to participate in the polling for Wednesday’s Hyderabad local authorities constituency MLC election to defeat the BJP and protect democratic values.
Announcing the decision, district incharge minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the poll had 112 voters, the AIMIM had a clear edge with 50. The BJP and BRS have 24 each, and Congress 14. With BRS boycotting the election, BJP’s religious campaign is both misleading and futile, he stated.
He lashed out at BJP leader and Union minister Bandi Sanjay for his public appeal urging "Hindutva supporters" to vote for the BJP. Terming the statement a blatant violation of the code of conduct, he declared that the Congress would file a formal complaint with the Election Commission seeking immediate action.
Prabhakar condemned the BJP’s strategy, alleging that Sanjay’s remarks were aimed at communal polarisation. "If you don’t vote for BJP, aren’t you a Hindu? Is that the message being given?” he questioned. “Such rhetoric is not only dangerous but also undermines the democratic and secular ethos of our Constitution."
Prabhakar also alleged that flex banners with communal messaging were being installed outside the homes of Congress and BRS corporators, accusing BJP supporters of attempting to intimidate and influence voters.
"This election should be about governance and development, not religious incitement," he asserted. “The Congress believes in democracy, while BJP is treading an authoritarian path.”
He criticised the BJP for its inconsistency, saying, “They provoke with one hand and defend with the other. If BJP was honest, they would suspend their MP Nishikant Dubey for his remarks against the Constitution and the judiciary, instead of offering symbolic condemnations.”
Prabhakar urged the Election Commission to take strict action against communal appeals during elections. “The Hyderabad MLC elections must not become a platform for Hindutva politics. We will not allow it. We will fight to uphold democracy,” he said.
