Andhra Pradesh Congress President YS Sharmila trained guns at the Telugu Desam Party-BJP coalition government, accusing it of neglecting vital issues in Dalit communities while using funds from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to promote religious infrastructure projects.
Sharmila cited a High Court observation from July 2025, noting that in some Dalit residential schools, a single bathroom is being shared by 228 students.
"Is it wrong for us to question this? Is it a crime to ask why there are still no proper roads or drainage systems in SC/ST colonies?" she demanded.
She insisted the government’s first priority must be to improve schools and provide basic amenities to marginalised communities, rather than building temples in Dalit areas. "No one would object if the TTD itself built temples with its own money. But why is the Chief Minister personally promoting these projects?" she asked.
Sharmila criticised Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that his involvement in such projects makes him appear as the representative of a single religion, which she argued runs counter to the secular spirit of the Constitution.
The Congress leader further claimed that BJP-RSS groups were launching malicious campaigns against her and the Congress Party, attempting to brand them as "anti-Hindu."
"They are twisting my statements, inciting religious leaders to target me, and trying to stir up Hindus by spreading lies," she alleged.
Asserting her party's secular credentials, she firmly stated, "The Congress Party respects all religions. We stand for constitutional values and equal justice. We are not anti-Hindu in any form."
She pointed out that she was the first to call for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the alleged mixing of animal fat in Tirumala laddus, a matter that had offended Hindu sentiments. "Even in that instance, we acted in the interests of devotees. This proves our respect for the faith," she recalled.
She concluded with a warning to the government: "Don’t misuse the TTD. If the coalition has the courage, respond to the core issues we raised— don’t hide behind religious rhetoric."
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