Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday said BJP workers had no intention of attacking the camp office of a BRS MLA in Karimnagar, but asked whether they were expected to remain silent in the face of alleged abuse.

Speaking to the media here on Thursday, the Karimnagar MP clarified that the BJP “has never encouraged, nor will it encourage, such attacks,” while cautioning political opponents against mistaking restraint for “weakness or helplessness.”

Accusing the BRS of embodying “anarchy and violence,” he alleged that its leaders resorted to intimidation when in power but now projected themselves as “paragons of virtue.” People had not forgotten the alleged excesses committed during the BRS regime, he added.

Earlier, State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao condemned personal remarks made by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy against Mr. Sanjay Kumar. Addressing the media at the party’s State office, he said the BJP would not remain a “silent spectator” if its leaders were targeted with false allegations or insults, and would respond appropriately.

While asserting that criticism and counter-criticism were part of democratic politics, Mr. Rao said those in responsible positions must maintain decorum. Reiterating that the BJP does not support violence, he warned against behaviour that could lead to personal defamation.

Mr. Rao also marked one year of ‘Operation Sindhoor,’ an Indian Army initiative targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At an event organised by the BJP’s Retired Army Cell, he paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives and praised the Army’s retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam attack. The operation, he said, highlighted the Modi government’s firm stance on national security.

He further criticised Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of raising “inappropriate” questions on security operations and likening their stance to that of “representatives” of hostile nations.