Ponnam Prabhakar Hits Back at BJP Over Demand for CM Revanth Reddy's Resignation

Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has strongly countered the BJP's demand for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's resignation over pending fee reimbursement dues, challenging BJP Telangana President N. Ramchander Rao to answer what he described as several "fundamental questions" before making such demands.

In a post on X on Saturday, the minister argued that the issue of fee reimbursement arrears was not a problem that emerged overnight, but one that had accumulated during the previous BRS government's tenure. He questioned why Ramchander Rao had remained silent when the dues continued to mount under the earlier administration and asked him to explain his stand to the people of Telangana.

Ponnam Prabhakar also questioned the BJP's commitment to student welfare, asking whether any BJP-ruled state currently implements a fee reimbursement scheme similar to Telangana's. If the party was genuinely concerned about students, he said, the Central Government should introduce such a scheme across the country and share the financial responsibility with states by providing adequate funding.

The minister further alleged that the BJP was attempting to divert public attention from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's proposal to reduce the minimum age for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 25 to 21 years, a suggestion that has sparked national discussion. He demanded that Ramchander Rao clarify whether the BJP-led Union Government supports or opposes the proposal.

Ponnam Prabhakar also urged the BJP to clearly state its position on holding student union elections, saying they are essential for strengthening democratic participation among students.

Criticising the BJP over repeated examination paper leak controversies, the minister asserted that a party accused of failing to safeguard students' futures had no moral authority to question the Telangana Government's commitment to student welfare.