Telangana Minister Apologizes for Derogatory Remark Against Cabinet Colleague: Political Fallout and Reconciliation

Ponnam Prabhakar (left) has expressed regret after his remark on Adluri Laxman Kumar sparked a controversy

Hyderabad:

Telangana's Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has issued a statement of regret following the controversy surrounding his remarks about his cabinet colleague, Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar.

The controversy erupted when Prabhakar's comments about Kumar were inadvertently captured by a live microphone during an official event.

In his statement released yesterday evening, Prabhakar described Kumar as "like a brother" to him. "Our friendship within the Congress party extends over 30 years and transcends political boundaries. The strong bond and mutual respect between us have always been evident. Nothing can come between us," he stated.

"I did not make any personal remarks against him. As someone who has risen from grassroots politics and as a leader representing the Backward Classes, I would never harbor such opinions about anyone."

"Unfortunately, certain individuals with political motives have distorted my comments and circulated narratives contrary to the truth. I am deeply saddened to discover that these misrepresentations have hurt the feelings of someone I consider an elder brother, Adluri Laxman Kumar," Prabhakar explained.

"I express my regret if Adluri Laxman Kumar's sentiments have been hurt. We both remain committed to strengthening the principles of the Congress party, achieving social justice under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, and working for the welfare of the people," he added.

The incident occurred during a press conference in Jubilee Hills on November 11. While waiting for Kumar's arrival and frustrated by the delay, Prabhakar was overheard speaking to another minister about punctuality, referring to Kumar as "buffalo" (Dhunnapothu in Telugu). This remark was captured by media microphones set up for the broadcast.

Kumar, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste Madiga community, subsequently released an emotional video statement expressing profound distress over his colleague's comment. He interpreted the remark as a casteist slur that brought shame not only to him personally but to his entire community, and demanded a public apology. Kumar threatened to escalate the matter to Congress leadership, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, if Prabhakar failed to apologize.

This public disagreement between two senior ministers, both influential leaders from Karimnagar district and key figures in the Congress government, has caused significant disruption just before important local body elections and the Jubilee Hills by-election.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, state Congress chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud intervened, speaking with both ministers and urging restraint and cooperation. Prabhakar's statement of regret follows this intervention and appears aimed at resolving the controversy.