Babu's anti-graft stance laudable but humorous: Sailajanath

“The attempt to raise public awareness about corruption is welcome, but the point to be noted is that the padayatra was conducted to project himself as a champion of the public,” said Primary Education Minister S Sailajanath on Monday, referring to the march by Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu from Golconda Military Hospital to Bapu Ghat.

Mr Sailajanath stated that he suspected ulterior motives behind Mr Naidu’s padayatra. “The hidden agenda behind the anti-graft stand is only to claw his way back to power,” the Minister said.

He added that the former chief minister was least bothered about corruption levels in the country.

Talking to media persons at the CLP office, the Minister alleged that the TDP president should have explained how he managed to amass assets worth thousands of crores of rupees, considering the fact that before he started his stint as chief minister, he had only 2 acres of land.

Mr Sailajanath said that he found it ‘humorous’ when Mr Naidu talked about corruption, especially since his rule was known for rampant graft.

“A devil may quote scriptures, but does this mean that he ceases to be a devil,” the Minister asked.

He demanded that Mr Naidu comes out with his property details first before raising fingers at others. “Raising the 2G Spectrum and other scams may attract attention, but the former chief minister should first come clean on his own wealth.” Mr Sailajanath said.

The Minister also ridiculed turned his attention to suspended PCC general secretary Ambati Rambabu and demanded an immediate and unconditional apology for allegedly describing Congress president Sonia Gandhi as a ‘Shaitan’ (Devil).

Mr Sailajanath demanded that Mr Rambabu withdraw his remarks against Ms Sonia Gandhi immediately and apologise to her.

The Minister warned the staunch loyalist of Kadapa leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy that he would have to face serious consequences if he does not withdraw the comments, apologise and change the tenor of his language.

Mr Sailajanath however did not specify what these ‘serious consequences’ were.