The Congress has intensified its critique of the BJP’s political strategy in southern India, with senior leader Vamsi Krishna Gaddam accusing the ruling party of “systemic neglect” and lacking cultural sensitivity towards the region’s electorate.
On Wednesday, Gaddam asserted that the BJP had consistently failed to resonate with the South’s voters, particularly among marginalised communities. “The south states have always been neglected by the BJP and BJP is unable to understand how to take care of the South, how to approach and appeal to the south voter, that's why they failed again and again,” Gaddam said.
He extended his support to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who earlier backed Bandaru Dattatraya, the former Governor of Haryana and veteran BJP leader, for the post of Vice-President of India.
Highlighting Congress’s internal efforts, Gaddam said the party, under Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, was actively fighting for the empowerment of backward classes. “From the Congress, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, he has been fighting fiercely for the BCs, SCs, and STs under the leadership and guidance of Rahul Gandhiji and Kharge ji,” he said.
“There is a huge disparity that is going on and the Congress is trying to establish the BCs at large. You are seeing that you are trying to fight for the 42% reservation for BCs, and likewise for the SCs and STs as well,” Gaddam added.
Taking aim at the BJP’s state-level decisions, Gaddam questioned the rationale behind appointing a Brahmin as the Telangana BJP chief, while demands for increased representation from backward classes remain unaddressed. “How can BJP be so blind to local emotions?” he remarked.
He justified the Congress CM’s endorsement of Dattatraya’s name for Vice-President, stating: “He has been a long-time fighter for Telangana and he is always supporting Telangana issues, though he is from the opposition... Our Chief Minister has voiced that opinion that is why we are fighting for the justice that is due, rightfully due for the BCs, SCs, and STs and this fight will continue.”
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Revanth Reddy, speaking to reporters, maintained that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally reached out, he would “definitely” recommend Dattatraya’s name to the Congress high command. “If Modi ji writes to me, I would definitely go to him and say that he (Bandaru Dattatraya) is from Telangana and he is a decent man. I will try my best to help him. But I cannot make a promise; this has to be discussed at the AICC level,” Reddy stated.
He also took a swipe at the BJP for sidelining Dattatraya in the past. “When he was the Union Minister, his post was handed over to G Kishan Reddy... All OBCs in South, especially Telangana, were reduced in stature by the NDA,” he alleged.
Reddy added that appointing Dattatraya to the Vice-President’s post would, symbolically, “pardon 100 killings”.
The comments have emerged amid speculation over the NDA’s possible candidate following the unexpected resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds.
In his resignation letter, Dhankhar stated: “To prioritise 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 and Prime Minister Modi, writing: “Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.”
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