Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 24 (ANI): Congress leader Vamsi Krishna Gaddam on Wednesday accused the BJP of consistently neglecting southern states and failing to connect with southern voters and marginalized communities. He also voiced support for Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s backing of Bandaru Dattatraya for the post of Vice President.
Speaking to ANI, Gaddam said, “The southern states have always been neglected by the BJP. They don’t know how to approach or appeal to southern voters—that’s why they keep failing here.”
He emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to uplifting backward communities under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. “Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been fighting hard for the rights of BCs, SCs, and STs. Under Rahul Gandhiji and Kharge ji’s leadership, efforts are being made to address disparities. We are fighting for 42% reservation for BCs, and similar efforts are ongoing for SCs and STs.”
Criticizing recent internal appointments in the BJP, Gaddam questioned the party’s decision to appoint a Brahmin leader as the Telangana BJP chief. “How can the BJP be so blind to local sentiments?” he asked, referencing the demand for greater representation of backward classes in the state’s politics.
Gaddam also defended CM Revanth Reddy’s endorsement of Bandaru Dattatraya, a former Haryana Governor and long-time BJP leader, as a potential Vice Presidential candidate. “Despite being with the BJP, Bandaru Dattatraya has always stood for Telangana’s interests. Our CM has rightly suggested that a Telugu-speaking person should be nominated as Vice President. It’s a matter of rightful recognition for the BCs, SCs, and STs,” he said.
Meanwhile, CM Revanth Reddy told reporters that he would urge the Congress leadership to support Dattatraya’s candidacy if Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally reached out.
“If Modi ji writes to me, I will go to him and say Dattatraya is from Telangana and is a decent man. I will do my best to support him. But I can’t promise anything—it will be up to the AICC to decide,” Reddy said.
Reddy also expressed disappointment over the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and reiterated that the next Vice President should be from Telangana. “I don’t know why Dhankhar ji resigned, but it’s unfortunate. Last time, there were discussions about making Venkaiah Naidu the President, but he was denied the opportunity. He was sent back. To correct that, Dattatraya was made Haryana Governor.”
He further alleged that the BJP has sidelined OBC leaders in Telangana. “Dattatraya was removed as Union Minister and replaced by G Kishan Reddy. Bandi Sanjay was BJP’s Telangana chief, and now a Brahmin, Ramchander Rao, has been appointed. OBC leaders across the South, especially in Telangana, have been reduced in stature by the NDA. Making Bandaru Dattatraya Vice President would be a step toward correcting that injustice.”
The remarks come amid speculation over the NDA’s potential nominee for the Vice President’s post, following Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on Monday evening.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar cited health concerns, stating, “To prioritize health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”
He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her support and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers for their cooperation during his tenure.
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