Seethakka Hits Back at KCR with Legal Notice Over Anganwadi Phone Row

A simmering political dispute in Telangana has intensified after Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka issued a legal notice to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) over allegations linked to the Anganwadi smartphone distribution programme.

The controversy erupted following social media posts by supporters of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) , accusing the government of inflating smartphone prices and indulging in irregularities. The posts claimed that devices meant for Anganwadi workers were billed at ₹14,499 each, far above market rates, alleging a ₹30 crore scam .

Rejecting the charges, Seethakka described them as false and politically motivated , asserting that she had no role in the procurement process. She clarified that the purchase was handled by Telangana Technology Services Limited (TTSL) through a transparent tender process , with decisions taken by a committee of senior officials.

The minister emphasized that each device was procured at approximately ₹11,650 and maintained that the process followed all norms of accountability. She also questioned the credibility of the allegations, stating that the figures being circulated do not align with the overall project cost.

Escalating the matter, Seethakka has held KCR responsible for what she termed a coordinated misinformation campaign and demanded removal of the posts along with a public apology within 48 hours. She warned of civil and criminal defamation proceedings if the demands are not met.

Meanwhile, the opposition has stood by its claims and called for an independent probe into the procurement. As tensions rise, a welfare initiative aimed at digitising Anganwadi services has turned into a major political and legal flashpoint in the state.