Khammam: In a fiery address at an Adivasi training programme in Khammam, TPCC president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud hit out at the BRS government for what he termed as years of neglect towards tribal communities.
Speaking at the event, Mahesh Goud reminded the audience that it was the Congress party that first recognised Adivasi settlements under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. He credited former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao with giving life to the Land Ceiling Act, which he said was crucial for tribal development.
Highlighting Congress’s commitment, he noted that the party had consistently brought in special amendments for the welfare of Adivasis. “The previous BRS government ignored the plight of Adivasis and even slapped cases on those who fought for their podu lands,” Mahesh Goud alleged.
He said that under the ROFR Act, the Congress had granted rights over 6.69 lakh acres of forest land to tribal communities. “The Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam initiative transformed the lives of Adivasis by providing water resources,” he added.
Mahesh Goud also highlighted various welfare schemes launched by the Congress, from subsidised rice distribution to free bus travel for women. He praised Rahul Gandhi for understanding the country’s problems through the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and lauded Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his ministers for successfully completing the caste census.
“Congress is the only party that truly advanced the slogan of Jal-Jameen-Jungle,” he declared. “Our government is committed to the upliftment of SCs and STs.”
Mahesh Goud promised to ensure fair representation for Adivasis within the PCC and expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power with 90 seats in the upcoming elections.
He also took a swipe at the BRS, saying that the party was plagued by infighting over assets and would soon fade into irrelevance. “There is no space for the BJP in Telangana,” he asserted, “and the people of this state will never support them.”
