Congress is a dud Opposition party, says Bandaru Dattatreya

HYDERABAD: Congress is unable to play the role of the Opposition, said veteran parliamentarian Bandaru Dattatreya, referring to the current status of the national party that’s in danger of losing its opposition status in Telangana, ahead of the LS elections.


With eight legislators and several other leaders jumping ship to join the TRS, crisis in the state’s key Opposition has deepened further.

Speaking at the Times Conversations, on Monday, Dattatreya emphasised the need for a strong opposition.

“Having a strong Opposition is a commitment. However, the Opposition in our country (referring to Congress) always points out negative issues without considering the national interest. Regional parties have their own interest. Such parties aligning with the Congress is nothing but suicidal,” said Dattatreya, adding that unless vote bank politics is done away with, the Opposition cannot survive.

Citing the example of the recent 10% reservation bill for economically weaker sections from upper castes, the MP highlighted how it was forcefully passed even at a time when the Opposition raised its voice against ‘radical’ reforms that the Modi government introduced.

About the TRS, Dattatreya said that it is a party of convenience. “It is clear that the TRS has friendly relations with the AIMIM. Now the question is whether MIM will field candidates from Nizamabad or Karimnagar. Or whether TRS will field a minority candidate from Hyderabad. The party works in a way that suits its ally,” he said.

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