‘Words misinterpreted’: Ponnam regrets row over buffalo remark against minister Laxman
Amid growing criticism, Prabhakar released a statement denying that he had made any personal or caste-based comments.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
‘Words misinterpreted’: Ponnam regrets row over buffalo remark against minister Laxman
Hyderabad: Telangana Backward Classes Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday expressed regret over his alleged remark against his cabinet colleague Adluri Laxman Kumar, Minister for Scheduled Castes and Tribal Welfare.
The controversy over derogatory remarks has triggered protests from Dalit organisations and created unease within the ruling Congress.
Prabhakar issues clarification
Amid growing criticism, Prabhakar released a statement denying that he had made any personal or caste-based comments.
“Laxman Kumar is like a brother to me. Our 30-year-long association in the Congress transcends politics. I have never spoken personally or disrespectfully about him,” he said.
The minister claimed that his comments had been ‘twisted with political malice’ and circulated out of context by certain groups. “If my colleague’s feelings have been hurt because of this misunderstanding, I sincerely regret it,” he added.
Congress leadership steps in
The episode prompted the Congress high command to intervene.
AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natrajan and TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud have called both ministers for a meeting to resolve the dispute amicably.
Party sources said the remarks have caused ‘avoidable embarrassment’ to the government and the organisation at a time when by-election campaigning is underway.
Prabhakar, in his statement, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s ideals. “Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, both of us will continue to work together for social justice and the upliftment of weaker sections,” he said.
‘Buffalo’ remark sparks outrage
The controversy erupted after reports claimed that Prabhakar referred to Laxman Kumar as a ‘buffalo’ when the latter arrived late for a campaign meeting in Jubilee Hills constituency a few days ago.
The alleged remark drew strong condemnation from Dalit organisations, some of which announced plans to stage protests. In response, police tightened security around Prabhakar’s residence in Karimnagar.
Laxman demands apology
Reacting to the controversy, Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar accused Prabhakar of insulting him because of his caste. He demanded a public apology and said he would be writing to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
“The party made me a minister because I belong to the Madiga community. I thought he would realise his mistake, but if this continues, I won’t be responsible for the consequences,” Laxman told his supporters on Tuesday.
‘Words misinterpreted’
Prabhakar maintained that his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context. He clarified that his remark referred only to a delay in confirming his flight ticket, not to his ministerial colleague.
“Some people with vested interests distorted my statement and spread false propaganda. I am deeply saddened that this has hurt someone as dear to me as Laxman Kumar,” he said.
