A major political setback has emerged for senior Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and a prominent leader of the BJP in Telangana, after his name was reportedly excluded from the official invite list for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hyderabad on Sunday, triggering widespread political debate. The development comes amid controversy surrounding a POCSO case registered against his son, Bandi Bhagirath, although no official statement has been issued by the party or the government linking the exclusion to the case.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Telangana on Sunday, during which he will dedicate the Malkapur Terminal Project of the Petroleum Ministry near Hyderabad. A public meeting is scheduled later in the day at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds from 4 PM onwards, with participation expected from Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, along with several Congress representatives including Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy.
Despite holding ministerial rank, Bandi Sanjay’s absence from the official protocol and invitee list has sparked strong political discussions in Telangana, with opposition parties questioning the circumstances behind his exclusion from a high-profile event involving the Prime Minister.
The controversy is linked to a recent case registered under the POCSO Act against Bandi Sanjay’s son, Bandi Bhagirath, following allegations of sexual assault and harassment of a 17-year-old minor girl. According to the complaint, the victim alleged she was forcibly made to consume alcohol and assaulted at multiple locations, including a farmhouse in Moinabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The complaint was lodged at the Pet Bashirabad police station late Saturday night after initial delays in registration led to tense scenes at the station.
The case has created a political embarrassment for the BJP at a sensitive time, with party sources suggesting that Sanjay was kept away from the Prime Minister’s programme to avoid controversy and prevent opposition attacks during the public event. However, internal party voices have also alleged political conspiracy behind the developments, though no official clarification has been issued.
The incident is being viewed as a significant setback for Bandi Sanjay Kumar, known for his aggressive political style within the BJP in Telangana. His exclusion from the Prime Minister’s programme has triggered dissatisfaction among his supporters and is being closely watched as a major development in the state’s political landscape.