Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP has condemned the reprehensible and hate-filled remarks made by State Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who irresponsibly threatened that his party would ‘break the Kamandal’—a sacred symbol in Hinduism deeply associated with deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma.”
State BJP Chief Spokesperson and Media In-charge N.V. Subhash said the comment was a direct attack on the religious sentiments of the Hindu majority and a reflection of the Congress party’s long-standing pattern of Hinduphobia. “This is not a political statement. It is pure hate speech, deliberately intended to insult Hindu traditions, mock sacred symbols, and provoke unrest,” he said.
That such a statement was made during Shravan Maas—one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar—makes it particularly hurtful. During this time, lakhs of devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra, carrying the Kamandalu or water pot, which symbolizes purity, renunciation, and devotion to Lord Shiva. The Kamandalu is not a mere vessel; it is depicted in the hands of divine beings, including Shiva, Brahma, Ganga, and Saraswati.
Subhash said the Congress leader’s “break Kamandal” call was a deliberate attempt to provoke and offend Hindu devotees during their sacred observances. “This is not an isolated incident. The Congress party has repeatedly insulted Hindu sentiments, from mocking Lord Ram to coining terms like ‘saffron terror’. Ponnam’s remarks are the latest chapter in this pattern of bigotry,” he added.
The BJP demanded that the Congress party issue an unconditional apology and clarify whether Ponnam Prabhakar’s comments represent the party’s official stance. “If Congress truly believes in secularism, let it act against this leader. Silence would mean complicity,” Subhash asserted.
The BJP also appealed to the public to see through Congress’s hypocrisy, professing to respect all religions while regularly vilifying Hindu traditions for vote bank politics.
“This is an assault on Sanatan Dharma. Hindus will not stay silent. We demand respect for our beliefs, and we demand accountability from those who insult them,” Subhash said.
