In a statement on Friday, Mr. Satya Kumar said the strong unity among the TDP, BJP and Jana Sena Party could not be weakened by Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s “distorted remarks.”
The former Chief Minister should first gather courage to attend the Legislative Assembly and participate in debates on public issues instead of speaking within the four walls, the Minister said.
On Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s allegations of irregularities in DSC recruitment, Mr. Satya Kumar questioned why he was not coming forward for a discussion in the Legislative Assembly despite repeated challenges from HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.
“If you are asked to come to the Assembly for a discussion, you do not come. You lack the courage to face the people, but continue to criticise the government and BJP outside,” the Minister said, adding that it was the responsibility of an opposition party leader to raise public issues on the Floor of the House and respond to the government’s arguments. He challenged Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy to present his case in the Assembly.
Terming Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks as reflective of his political desperation, Mr. Satya Kumar asserted that the coalition government was formed by the people’s mandate and its constituent parties were working together for the State’s development.
Referring to Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks about becoming a “cockroach,” the Minister said it was ironic for a leader to speak about such issues, particularly when his five-year rule had pushed the State into debts and caused injustice to youth. “People have not forgotten the past. They know who did what, and you cannot cover up the failures of your rule,” the Minister said.
Mr. Satya Kumar challenged Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy to come to the Legislative Assembly for a debate on DSC recruitment and the problems faced by unemployed youth. “Mr. Nara Lokesh is ready for a debate with you. The delay is from your side. Let the truth be established before the people,” he said.