Defamatory posters against Eatala trigger political storm

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

A fresh political controversy has erupted within the Telangana BJP after a series of posters and flexies targeting Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender surfaced at Kukatpally, KPHB Colony and along the ORR service road near Medchal, triggering intense discussion in political circles.

The posters described Eatala as a "bad omen" for the BJP and accused him of being unhappy over not being appointed the State BJP president, not being projected as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate, and not being offered a Union Ministerial berth. They further alleged that despite his defeats from two Assembly constituencies in the 2023 elections, the BJP had reposed faith in him by fielding him from the prestigious Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, from where he later emerged victorious.

The posters also claimed that Eatala was attempting to take personal credit for his electoral success instead of acknowledging the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They questioned his alleged discomfort over the growing prominence of BC leaders within the party and referred to the increasing popularity of Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind.

The identity of those behind the posters remains unknown. However, the development has generated considerable buzz within BJP circles, with party leaders expressing concern that the campaign was intended to tarnish both Eatala's image and that of the party.

In response, the Telangana BJP lodged a formal complaint with Director General of Police (DGP) seeking an inquiry and strict action against those responsible for creating and displaying the posters. In a letter submitted by State General Secretary N. Goutham Rao, the party stated that the defamatory content was aimed at creating an impression of internal dissatisfaction and damaging the reputation of both Eatala Rajender and the BJP. The party urged police authorities to identify the masterminds behind the campaign and take action under relevant legal provisions.

Dharmapuri refutes allegations

Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind strongly condemned the poster campaign. He described Eatala Rajender as a soft spoken and respected leader who has spent decades in public life and said attempts to malign his reputation were unjustified. Arvind also dismissed as "completely false" allegations that differences existed between Eatala Rajender, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and himself. Stressing that healthy political debate should focus on public issues rather than character assassination, he called upon those responsible to immediately stop such activities.