Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday criticised Union minister Bandi Sanjay over his remarks on AICC leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that in a democracy it is the people who decide leadership.Bandi Sanjay allegedly said the country would face an eclipse if Rahul Gandhi became the prime minister. Countering Bandi Sanjay’s remarks, Ponnam Prabhakar said it was the right of Congress to aspire to see Rahul Gandhi as the prime minister and added that such decisions ultimately depend on the trust of the people.Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar said Bandi’s remarks reflected political frustration and insecurity rather than constructive politics. “Bandi Sanjay should know that Narendra Modi himself came to Gujarat as a parachute leader and became the chief minister. Even without winning an election like Modi, many assumed high office before. Even though senior leaders like Manmohan Singh preferred Rahul Gandhi for the prime minister’s post in 2009, Rahul Gandhi chose not to take up the position then,” he claimed.He accused the BJP-led govt at the Centre of pushing the country into difficulties on several fronts over the past several years, claiming that prices rose sharply and govt organisations were weakening.Ponnam Prabhakar accused BJP of indulging in divisive politics by inciting religious hatred and targeting minorities and weaker sections for political gains. “Central investigative agencies such as CBI and Enforcement Directorate were being misused to destabilise opposition govts,” he alleged.Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the minister said the Congress leader worked to promote unity in the country.
