Bandi Sanjay Throws Challenge to MIM

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced that he would organise a mass singing of Vande Mataram with lakhs of people at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad’s Old City. He challenged MIM leaders to oppose the programme if they had the courage. Sanjay said those who insult the national song could face legal action, including imprisonment and a fine, and questioned why those following the law were being labelled communal. He reiterated that the national song should be respected and said his proposed programme would be conducted in accordance with the law.

Sanjay also questioned the Telangana government’s decision to place photographs of the Chief Minister and ministers on smart ration cards. Referring to Karnataka, he claimed that smart cards prepared at a cost of hundreds of crores during the Siddaramaiah government had eventually become unusable. He further said the Centre was providing free rice to nearly two crore people in Telangana and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph was not being placed on ration cards if the cards were intended to reflect government welfare. “Is the rice being provided by the Centre not needed?” he asked, seeking clarity from the state government.