# Harish Rao gives Mahesh Goud 30-day ultimatum on puja allegations 2026-08-07T04:16:53+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet BRS leader T Harish Rao has served a legal notice to Telangana Congress chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud, giving him 30 days to prove allegations that Rao performed ‘kshudra pujas’ (petty worship) or face criminal and defamation suits. Speaking in Siddipet on Thursday, Rao said he would not spare those making baseless charges and accused the Congress government of diverting attention from its failures. Mahesh Goud defended his remarks, saying he neither insulted Rao nor spread falsehoods. He dared Rao to clarify why he visited temples known for occult practices. Separately, Rao wrote to the Union Jal Shakti minister, urging withdrawal of Godavari River Management Board agenda items that seek to reopen approvals for Telangana irrigation projects. He also criticised the Congress government for neglecting Mission Bhagiratha, the flagship drinking water scheme. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com - newindianexpress.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - telanganatoday.com Tags: BRS, Congress, Mahesh Kumar Goud, T Harish Rao, Telangana Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/harish-rao-threatens-defamation-cases-over-kshudra-puja-claims/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/harish-rao-threatens-defamation-cases-over-kshudra-puja-claims/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.