Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari on Thursday threatened to sue Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unless he condemns casteist remarks of Telugu Desam politburo member Motkupalli Narsimhulu.

Mr Motkupalli had alleged that Mr Kadiam belonged to the Backward Classes and not the Scheduled Castes. Condemning Mr Motkupalli’s remarks, Mr Kadiam wondered whether Naidu, as the head of the TD, endorsed Mr Motkupalli’s comment. He said he would file lawsuits against Mr Naidu and Mr Motkupallu unless Mr Naidu comes out and condemns his party man’s remarks.

Mr Kadiam said he decided to speak out after his mother wept hearing the allegations and the “cheap politics” against him. Mr Motkupalli had alleged that Mr Kadiam belonged to the Backward Classes and not Scheduled Castes and that he was fooling people using fake caste certificates.

Speaking to media here on Thursday, Mr Kadiam said, “I am from a sub-caste Bindla which is classified as a Scheduled Caste. I am using the same caste certificates since seven elections. If his claims are true, he should approach the Election Commission against me. I am ready to face it.”

He said some persons were jealous of his being anointed Deputy Chief Minister because they couldn’t get any Minister post. “One person jumped parties and thought he could become minister but he didn’t. Another person has also lost politically. This is all stemming out of political jealousy,” he said.