Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday (Jan 18, 2026) strongly refuted allegations made by a Telugu daily linking him to an irresponsible TV report against a woman IAS and a minister, saying he entered politics only to ensure that state resources reach the people and not to enjoy power or position.
Reacting to the newspaper report, speaking to the media at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad, Mr Bhatti claimed he was deliberately targeted and suggested the criticism could be related to his long association with former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
He alleged that the newspaper’s management might be harboring a grudge against the YSR legacy, which he said was clearly reflected in the “fabricated” report.
Referring to the allegations regarding tender conditions at Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Mr. Bhatti clarified that Singareni operates according to its own established rules and procedures. “The terms of reference are finalized by the Singareni board. Ministers have no role in creating them,” he said, dismissing the claims made in the report as baseless.
He said that once the allegations regarding the coal mine contract surfaced, he himself suggested that the tenders be canceled to avoid any controversy. “Board members informed me that tenders were floated but no offer came in. Even then, I directed that the tenders be canceled and floated again,” he said.
Taking strong exception to the reportage, Mr. Bhatti warned that he would not remain silent if attempts were made to defame officials, ministers or the government through motivated reports.
“I live with self-respect and have spent more than four decades fighting for people’s causes, both inside and outside the legislature. I did not enter politics by accident,” he said, adding that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the entire cabinet would not be intimidated by “motivational stories”.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that he decided to react only to ensure that the people of Telangana are aware of the truth.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 16:18 IST