Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday declared that an “unprecedented positive wave” was sweeping Telangana in favour of the Congress. He predicted a decisive win in the civic polls and said the momentum would help the party return to power in 2028.
The Minister led a high-energy road show through the main streets of Suryapet municipality, marking the final leg of the party’s campaign. The event brought traffic to a halt as large crowds turned out to greet the Minister and party leaders. As part of the programme, Reddy formally released the Congress manifesto for the municipal elections, focusing on development, welfare, and justice for the displaced and marginalised.
Reddy took sharp aim at the previous BRS government, accusing it of forcibly evicting residents from legally owned commercial properties. He alleged that many families were denied compensation and left without recourse. “These weren’t encroachments—they were homes and businesses lost under the guise of development,” he said.
He assured Suryapet residents that he would remain accessible and work beyond political considerations. “I will stay within reach of the people, no matter what,” he promised. Emphasising unity, Reddy urged party workers to set aside differences and support Congress nominee G. Hema in Ward No. 44. The Suryapet municipality includes 48 wards.
Congress eyes clean sweep, pays tribute to party veteran
Recalling the 2020 results, Reddy noted that BRS had won 25 wards, Congress 15, BJP 4, and independents 4. This time, he set a target of winning at least 40 wards. He named Nivedita Lakshyadi from the Vysya community as a strong candidate for municipal chairperson. He described her as someone who symbolises representation and trust.
Reddy also paid tribute to late senior Congress leader Ramreddy Damodar Reddy. “His legacy continues to guide our mission in Suryapet and across Telangana,” he said. Praising the growing unity within party ranks, he described the collective energy as a sign of the party’s resurgence.
He sharply criticised the BRS’s handling of the public distribution system. He alleged that grains intended for the poor were recycled and sold to poultry and beer units. “Despite spending ₹12,000 crore, they couldn’t deliver to the people. That’s a betrayal,” he charged.
In contrast, he said, the Congress government had launched a fine rice scheme offering 6 kg per person free of cost. “We’ve brought 40 lakh more people under its coverage. Today, 85% of Telangana’s population receives fine rice for free,” he said. He positioned the initiative as a core welfare measure reflecting the government’s priorities.
Reddy promises better infrastructure and agricultural support
The Minister dismissed the BRS’s double-bedroom housing programme as superficial and undelivered. “They made tall claims but built little,” he said. He pointed out that the Congress government was now constructing 3,500 Indiramma houses in every Assembly constituency, with visible progress on the ground.
He also promised to improve Suryapet’s infrastructure if Congress won control of the municipality. “Better roads, modern amenities, and world-class facilities—this is our vision,” he said. He described the town’s transformation as a collective mission, tied to the Congress’s larger governance model.
Irrigation featured prominently in Reddy’s address. He said the SRSP Phase II canal system would be modernised to ensure consistent water supply to the Suryapet Assembly segment. “This will support both drinking water and agricultural needs,” he said.
Highlighting Telangana’s agricultural output, Reddy cited a record 148 lakh metric tonnes of paddy harvested during the Kharif season. The government procured 72 lakh tonnes and disbursed ₹19,000 crore in MSP payments and bonuses. “This shows our commitment to farmers goes beyond slogans,” he added.
He ended his speech with a strong appeal to voters. “A vote for BRS or BJP is a wasted vote. It’s like throwing it into the gutter,” he said. He urged workers to aim for total victory in all 48 wards and predicted that this civic win would lay the foundation for the 2028 Assembly triumph. “Let us shape Suryapet into a model city—and Congress into Telangana’s future,” he concluded.