Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajender, who is in the thick of controversy over alleged ‘leaking’ of details of Chief Minister KCR’s meeting at Pragathi Bhavan last week with Ministers and officials to discuss new Revenue Act to revenue employees union leaders, has stirred up yet another controversy on Thursday.
Etela said that his Minister post is not a ‘bhiksha’ (alm) given by anyone to him and he got Minister post based on his seniority, efficiency and loyalty to TRS and KCR.
Etela also claimed that he is one among the owners of ‘gulabi jenda’ (TRS flag) as he is with TRS since its inception and not like other some other leaders in TRS, who joined from other parties in the middle.
Etela was responding to the reports in the media that KCR is angry at him for leaking confidential information to revenue staff and CM is all set to drop Etela from his Cabinet.
Etela said, “Minister post given to me is not a biksha by anyone. It came in recognition of my seniority, efficiency and loyalty to TRS and KCR. I never sought Minister post in BC quota.”
He rubbished reports that he got minister post under BC quota as he hails from Mudiraj community.
Condemning media reports on alleged ‘leaks’ of CM’s meeting, Etela said, “I have no need to give explanation on these cheap reports. Everyone knows who is what. Everyone know what is Etela Rajender.”
Responding to reports that he indulged in heavy corruption as Minister for the past five years due to which he could build a palatial bungalow in Shamirpet on city outskirts, Etela said, “If anyone proves that I took even Rs 5,000 bribe from anyone, I will quit political permanently. Why someone should feel jealous of me if I construct my own house.”
Stating that in democracy it’s the people who will decide the fate of politicians and not leaders, Etela said, “Who is a hero, and who is a zero will be known very soon. I am always a lighting lamp. My journey will continue.”