'Will quit politics if allegation of offering money to Owaisi is proved'

In an open challenge to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress' Maheshwar Reddy said that if the allegation of offering money to Owaisi is proved, he will quit politics.

Reddy also called the allegations levelled by Owaisi on Congress 'baseless', and said the latter should quit politics if the allegations are not proved.

"I never met Owaisi, never talked to Owaisi, he cannot even recognise me. Just for sensation he commented that I wanted to offer Rs 25 lakhs. He is running medical colleges, banks and other businesses. How can I offer Rs 25 lakhs to a man who has thousands of crores of money? I am ready to quit politics if he proves the allegations, but is he ready to quit politics if wrong?" an agitated asked.

Earlier in the day, Owaisi had claimed that the Congress party had offered him Rs 25 lakh to cancel his campaign rally in Telangana's Nirmal. In reaction he said, "what will you give us, we made the Taj Mahal and you will give us (wealth)?"

Addressing a rally, Owaisi said, "I am not like them, I cannot sell my promise. I truly believe in promoting my people and their interests. I want to see our flag hoisted in every corner of India. I want to see the progress and zeal of the youth of every youth in the country. I salute all the hundreds of youths who came to see me when I reached here. This is the energy I want to create."

The political drama in Telangana has intensified ahead of the December 7 Legislative Assembly Elections in the state, results of which will be declared on December 11.