Hyderabad,January 18, 2026: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday strongly refuted allegations published in a Telugu daily that attempted to link him to an irresponsible television news report targeting a woman IAS officer and a State minister.
Speaking to the media at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad, Mr. Bhatti asserted that he entered politics to ensure that Telangana’s resources reach the people and not to enjoy power or position. He said he earned his position with self-respect and would not compromise on the State’s interests under any circumstances.
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that he was being deliberately targeted and suggested that the criticism could be connected to his long association with former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. He claimed that resentment towards YSR’s legacy may have influenced what he described as a “fabricated” report.
Responding to allegations related to tender conditions in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Mr. Bhatti clarified that Singareni operates under its own established rules and procedures. He stated that tender conditions are finalised by the SCCL Board and that ministers have no role in framing them.
Referring to a coal mine contract issue, he said that when allegations surfaced, he himself suggested cancelling the tenders to avoid controversy. He added that Board members informed him that although tenders had been called, no bids were received. Despite this, he instructed that the tenders be cancelled and reissued.
Taking strong exception to what he termed motivated reportage, Mr. Bhatti warned that he would not remain silent if attempts were made to malign officials, ministers, or the government.
“I have spent over four decades fighting for people’s causes, both inside and outside the legislature. I did not enter politics casually,” he said, adding that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the entire Cabinet would not be intimidated by such reports.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he chose to respond to ensure that the people of Telangana were aware of the truth.
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