The conversation focused on routine administrative matters, with particular attention to the state's preparedness for upcoming municipal elections

Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu on Tuesday strongly dismissed media reports and social media claims portraying an informal gathering of senior ministers as a clandestine affair, calling such characterizations "misleading and unwarranted."

The minister's remarks came in response to widespread speculation in certain sections of the press and online platforms suggesting internal discord within the Congress-led government. Reports had described a Monday evening meeting at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka as secretive, linking it to alleged unrest, corruption concerns, and leadership tensions. Sridhar Babu rejected these narratives outright, insisting the interaction was routine, transparent, and fully consistent with the Cabinet's collective responsibility.

Speaking to reporters, the minister provided a clear account of the events to counter what he termed "false narratives." He explained that the discussion followed the 'At Home' programme held at Lok Bhavan earlier in the day. Several ministers, including himself, travelled together in a single vehicle to the Deputy Chief Minister's residence—an arrangement conducted openly and visible to the public. "There was no element of secrecy whatsoever," Sridhar Babu emphasised. "We moved in full public view, and the meeting itself was informal, as such interactions among colleagues often are."

According to the minister, the conversation focused on routine administrative matters, with particular attention to the state's preparedness for upcoming municipal elections. Such deliberations, he noted, form a standard part of governance in any democratic setup. "Coordination among senior ministers on issues related to administration is not only normal but essential to ensure smooth functioning," he said. "Portraying these discussions as secretive serves no purpose other than to inject unnecessary political undertones."

Sridhar Babu expressed particular concern over the speed and scale at which speculative stories had spread across social media and portions of mainstream media. He argued that such reporting risks distorting public perception and diverting focus from critical development priorities. Under his portfolio, the state has pursued aggressive growth in the IT sector and industrial investments, initiatives he described as central to Telangana's economic agenda. Misrepresentations, he warned, undermine the broader effort to advance these goals.

The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency and collective decision-making. "All major decisions are taken under the leadership of the Chief Minister, with the Cabinet functioning as a unified body," he stated. He urged media organisations to prioritise factual accuracy and constructive coverage over sensationalism. "Responsible journalism plays a vital role in strengthening democracy. Speculative stories and personal attacks weaken public trust and distract from the real work of governance."

The reports that prompted Sridhar Babu's response had circulated widely in political circles and online forums. They alleged that the meeting involved Ministers Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Adluri Laxman, and Sridhar Babu himself. Some accounts claimed the discussion touched on sensitive issues, including media leaks, corruption allegations linked to Singareni Collieries coal tenders, and supposed internal rivalries. Whispers among Congress sources also suggested unease over the Chief Minister's ongoing foreign visit to the United States (scheduled from January 19 to February 1, 2026), with claims that intelligence agencies had been monitoring ministerial movements amid trust concerns. Additional narratives referenced alleged backstabbing of senior leaders and fears of damage to the party's image if controversies remained unchecked.

Sridhar Babu addressed these claims directly, describing them as "baseless and far from the truth." He dismissed any suggestion of a conspiracy or factionalism, insisting that the informal interaction carried no extraordinary significance. The minister's clarification aimed to shut down speculation that the gathering reflected deeper divisions within the ruling Congress.

Political observers note that informal meetings among senior leaders are commonplace in coalition and single-party governments alike, especially ahead of key electoral exercises such as municipal polls. In Telangana's context, where the Congress assumed power relatively recently after a decisive victory, maintaining Cabinet cohesion remains a priority. The minister's public rebuttal appears designed to project stability and refocus attention on governance rather than intrigue.

Sridhar Babu's intervention also highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping political narratives. In an era where unverified posts can rapidly gain traction, elected officials increasingly feel compelled to respond swiftly to counter misinformation. The minister's appeal for responsible reporting underscores a broader concern: unchecked speculation can erode confidence in institutions at a time when the state is pushing ambitious reforms in IT infrastructure, industrial corridors, and urban local body elections.

By framing the gathering as an ordinary coordination exercise, Sridhar Babu sought to normalise what some had sensationalised. His remarks reinforce the message that the Cabinet operates as a team under unified leadership, with no room for the kind of factional drama suggested by critics.