Hyderabad: Telangana Labour and Mines Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy on Wednesday asserted that the Congress government was the first in the state to ensure direct access between citizens and ministers. Speaking to the media, Vivek said, “For 10 years under BRS, the people could not meet ministers. Congress is changing that.”
He pointed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s immediate visit to the Pashamilaram factory blast site, drawing contrast with former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao’s absence during the fatal Kondagattu bus accident. “KTR himself tweeted ‘I am not CM’ this is on record,” he said.
Vivek was responding at the “Face-to-Face with Ministers” program at Gandhi Bhavan, launched by TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud to directly address citizens’ grievances. He said the Congress was ensuring ministers remain among the people and not behind closed doors.
When questioned about Mancherial MLA Prem Sagar Rao, Vivek said, “He’s the local MLA, the leader for the district. Ministers are here to assist when needed.” Addressing internal party issues, he acknowledged “differences exist in all parties,” but said Congress is committed to justice for all hardworking leaders, old and new. “AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan is working to unify the party,” he added.
On the controversy over DCC leadership in Gajwel, Vivek clarified that decisions on appointments and removals lie with the party high command. Regarding cancelled land pattas, he said, “People have approached me. I’ve spoken to the district collector. I’ll meet victims tomorrow and, if needed, take the issue to the Revenue Minister.”
He also addressed gig workers’ rights, stating the government was working on securing minimum wages for them. On adulterated toddy deaths in Kukatpally, he demanded accountability for negligence and a full probe. He reiterated that police permission remains necessary for protests, but unlike BRS, the Congress is restoring public rights to protest. “We brought back Dharna Chowk into the people’s hands,” he said.
మంత్రి కార్యాలయం – రాష్ట్ర కార్మిక, ఉపాధి, పరిశ్రమలు, భూగర్భ గనుల శాఖ
వివేక్ వెంకటస్వామి గారు – మీడియాతో ముఖాముఖీతెలంగాణలో ప్రజలకు మంత్రులతో ప్రత్యక్షంగా మాట్లాడే అవకాశం కల్పించిన మొదటి ప్రభుత్వం కాంగ్రెస్ అని శ్రీ గడ్డం వివేక్ వెంకటస్వామి గారు స్పష్టం చేశారు. గత 10 ఏళ్ల… pic.twitter.com/6Beuxh34vl
— Dr Vivek Venkatswamy (@VivekVenkatswam) July 9, 2025