'Elect BJP-Backed Candidate In Telangana Rural Polls': Bandi Sanjay's Rs 10 Lakh Offer To Villages

Last Updated:November 26, 2025, 22:10 IST

Kumar, who represents Karimnagar in the Lok Sabha and serves as the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, noted that the funds would be provided without delays.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar addresses a press conference, in Hyderabad. (PTI file photo)

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar promised Rs 10 lakh in development funds to villages in Telangana’s Karimnagar constituency, if they elect BJP-backed candidates in the upcoming rural local body polls.

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Kumar assured voters that if a village elected a “BJP-supported Sarpanch unanimously," he would allocate Rs 10 lakh from his Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds for that village’s development.

Kumar, who represents Karimnagar in the Lok Sabha and serves as the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, noted that the funds would be provided without delays.

“Elect a BJP-backed candidate unanimously and get ₹10 lakh instantly for development," he wrote in his post. “I will directly fund ₹10 lakh for that village’s development – no delays, no excuses."

Kumar’s promise comes as Telangana prepares for rural local body elections, set to be held in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17. The elections will determine the outcome of over 12,000 Sarpanch and 1.1 lakh ward member positions across the state.

Kumar further claimed that previous governments had made similar promises but failed to deliver. He pointed out that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now rebranded as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), had promised Rs 5 lakh for unanimous Panchayats in the past.

“Nearly 70 villages in the Karimnagar Parliament area elected BRS candidates unanimously. Even after five years, not a single rupee was released by the KCR government," he wrote.

The Union Minister urged the electorate not to fall for empty promises from the Congress and BRS, asserting that only the BJP could ensure genuine development funds for the region.

“Those who trusted Congress and BRS ended up suffering financially. Both parties are now preparing to repeat the same deception. I urge the people of Karimnagar not to fall for their words," he noted.

Congress Alleges Violation Of MCC

Meanwhile, the Union Minister’s remarks sparked criticism from the Congress party. Telangana Congress wrote to the State Election Commission, demanding action and accusing him of breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In its letter, Congress stated: “With the above cited subject matter, we report a clear breach of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Bandi Sanjay, MoS for Home Affairs. He stated that if a BJP-supporting Sarpanch is elected unanimously in Karimnagar Parliament, a grant of 10 lakh will be given. This is a direct inducement to voters, violating MCC guidelines."

The rural body elections are expected to be a major test for all political parties in Telangana, especially given the competitive nature of the polls. Despite being held on a non-party basis, the elections have become a battleground for major parties, including the ruling Congress, BJP, and BRS.

According to the Telangana State Election Commission, a total of 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 ward office seats will be contested. Over 1.66 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with polling to be conducted using traditional ballot boxes and papers.

The first phase of the elections will be held on December 11, followed by the second phase on December 14, and the third phase on December 17. Nominations for the first round will close on November 29, with scrutiny of nominations scheduled for November 30. The counting of votes will take place immediately after polling ends each day, with results announced once the counting process is complete.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics 'Elect BJP-Backed Candidate In Telangana Rural Polls': Bandi Sanjay's Rs 10 Lakh Offer To Villages

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