Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, sparked a significant controversy in Hyderabad on Sunday. He criticized the Telangana Congress government for allegedly introducing a “Muslim Declaration Bill” disguised as a Backward Classes (BC) Declaration. After inaugurating a Central government-funded ‘Critical Care Block’ at Karimnagar District Main Hospital, he claimed the state’s reservation plans unfairly benefit Muslims over BCs and Hindus.
Sanjay stated that the BC Declaration supposedly offers 27% reservations for BCs and an extra 5% for BCs. However, he alleged that 10% of this is indirectly reserved for Muslims. He accused the Congress of essentially creating a 100% reservation for Muslims in Telangana, labeling it a “Muslim Declaration.” He warned of a broader “conspiracy” to make Hindus a minority in Telangana, suggesting this issue could spread across India if unchecked.
Bandi Sanjay insisted he would oppose the bill unless Muslims are excluded from the BC category. He demanded that the full 42% reservations be reserved for BCs only. “I will persuade the Centre to approve the bill only if Muslims are removed from the BC list,” he asserted.
In a political challenge, Sanjay mentioned claims about the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) potentially merging with the BJP if cases against K. Kavitha were filed. He supported this proposal by K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) before CM Ramesh, calling it “absolutely true,” and challenged KTR to a public debate. “If you are brave enough, let’s discuss this in front of everyone,” he dared.
Regarding the hospital’s new Critical Care Block, Sanjay highlighted that the entire Rs 23.75 crore funding originated from the Centre’s PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM). He urged the state government to promptly appoint medical staff and allocate funds, warning that inadequate state support could harm patient care.
He presented budget figures, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with nearly doubling the health and education budgets since 2014. He noted the expansion of AIIMS, medical colleges, and the rise in MBBS and postgraduate seats nationwide. He also claimed significant improvements in healthcare access for the poor under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Switching topics to the Jubilee Hills by-election, the Union Minister harshly criticized the alleged demolition of the Banjara Hills Peddamma temple, attributing the act to a move to appease Muslim voters. “If this is not corrected and an apology issued, Hindus will unite and respond decisively at the polls,” he warned.
Bandi Sanjay also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s religious loyalties, accusing the Congress of a “grand conspiracy” to grant Muslims undue reservations while dividing Hindus. He alleged, “Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and actions reveal his disdain for Hindus and India,” urging voters to rebuke the Congress in the upcoming local body elections.
