Hyderabad: Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises Minister Mohammed Azharuddin questioned the prolonged KCR Assembly absence and demanded accountability from the BRS president. He said K. Chandrashekar Rao should step down as Leader of the Opposition if he could not discharge his responsibilities.
Addressing a protest programme at Dharna Chowk on Sunday, Azharuddin said constitutional responsibilities required commitment and accountability. He argued that KCR’s continued absence from the Telangana Legislative Assembly raised serious questions about his responsibility towards voters.
“Why has KCR been absent from the Assembly for nearly 1,000 days? If he is unable to attend the House and discharge his responsibilities as Leader of Opposition, he should step down from the post,” Azharuddin said.
KCR Assembly absence raises questions over Opposition role
Azharuddin said the Leader of the Opposition held an important position in a parliamentary democracy. Therefore, he stressed the need for the officeholder to participate actively in legislative proceedings.
The Opposition Leader had a responsibility to question the government, participate in debates and raise public concerns, he said. Azharuddin also recalled KCR’s tenure as Chief Minister. He said KCR had regularly attended the Assembly then and ensured the conduct of government business.
“Today, when the people need their representatives to speak for them, the Opposition must be present in the House,” he said. Azharuddin also highlighted the Congress government’s development and welfare agenda under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
He said the government had worked across several areas, including the Telangana Rising vision. In addition, he cited women’s empowerment, support for families, education and minority welfare.
“The Chief Minister is working with a clear vision for the future of Telangana. Our government is committed to development that reaches every section of society,” Azharuddin said. Meanwhile, the Minister said the administration had focused on inclusive governance alongside its development programmes.
Azharuddin highlighted the government’s approach towards minority welfare and development. In particular, he referred to education, social welfare and economic empowerment.
He said the government had addressed issues that remained pending for years. Moreover, he said it had taken steps to strengthen the delivery of welfare programmes.
“Minority welfare is an important priority for our government. We want our communities to move forward through education, opportunities and effective implementation of welfare programmes,” Azharuddin said.
The Minister also highlighted the issuance of ration cards and other welfare measures. According to Azharuddin, the Congress government had addressed several pending issues. He said the administration had given equal importance to education and social welfare.
Furthermore, he said the government had worked to ensure that welfare schemes reached deserving families.
KCR Assembly absence attack comes amid Medina response praise
Azharuddin also referred to the Medina bus accident and praised Revanth Reddy’s response to the tragedy. He said the Chief Minister had responded quickly and sanctioned ex-gratia assistance for the victims’ families.
“The immediate response of the Chief Minister reflects the sensitivity of the Congress government towards people facing difficult situations. At a time of tragedy, the government stood with the affected families,” Azharuddin said.
Azharuddin said the government remained committed to welfare across every section of Telangana. He also highlighted development, social justice and economic opportunities as priorities.
The Minister said the government sought a stronger Telangana where different sections could participate equally in the State’s progress. He specifically referred to minorities, women, students, workers, farmers and weaker sections.
“Telangana has a future full of opportunities. Our responsibility is to ensure that development reaches every section and that no community is left behind,” Azharuddin said.
At the protest, Azharuddin combined his KCR Assembly absence criticism with a defence of the Congress government’s welfare agenda. He stressed legislative accountability while highlighting minority welfare, education and social support measures.