Congress never wanted KCR’s death: Mahesh Goud

Hyderabad: TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud on Wednesday rejected suggestions that the Congress wanted anything adverse to happen to former Chief Minister and BRS leader K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). Addressing the media at the Assembly, Goud said the Congress had never wished for KCR’s death or ill health. He alleged that BRS MLA T. Harish Rao had earlier prayed for KCR to face difficulties and referred to remarks attributed to K. Kavitha in this regard. Goud said the Congress does not believe in wishing harm upon political opponents or anyone else. He also said he had no personal ill will towards KCR and expressed concern over the former chief minister’s health.

The TPCC chief recalled an earlier incident in which KCR reportedly collapsed in the bathroom. He said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had ensured that KCR received medical attention through the green channel at the time. Goud also pointed out that Revanth Reddy had enquired about KCR’s health when the former chief minister visited the Assembly. According to Goud, Revanth Reddy was keen on KCR attending the Assembly and maintained that the Congress had respect for the Leader of the Opposition. Goud further said the state government had deployed 55 security personnel near KCR’s farmhouse as part of the security arrangements. Commenting on remarks made by MLA Veerlapalli Shankar, Goud said Shankar was an admirer of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and suggested that his comments may have been influenced by his personal admiration for the Chief Minister. Goud also criticised BRS MLC Tata Madhu over his conduct, alleging that his behaviour amounted to an insult to the Dalit community.