Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday accused the BJP-led central government of targeting poor and minority communities through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking at a Congress meeting in Gandhi Bhavan, Hyderabad, Reddy claimed the SIR process aimed to strip marginalised citizens of their voting rights. He warned that losing voter eligibility would also block access to ration cards, Aadhaar, and welfare schemes. According to him, the entire exercise was part of a “big conspiracy.”
Revanth criticises Centre’s job scheme changes
Reddy launched a strong attack on the central government’s rural employment policy. He said the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), introduced by Congress, currently benefits 80 per cent of the population.
However, he alleged that the Modi government plans to replace MGNREGS with a new employment law. This, he argued, would favour corporate groups like Adani and Ambani. He warned that allowing these companies to hire workers at lower wages would strip rural labourers of their dignity and economic security.
Moreover, Reddy said the BJP intended to amend the Constitution if it secured 400 seats in the 2024 general elections. He praised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for alerting the public through their national outreach efforts.
Congress to hold Gram Sabhas across Telangana
Reddy directed party workers to organise Gram Sabhas in every village across Telangana between January 20 and 30. He urged them to pass resolutions opposing the Centre’s new employment act. Ministers and MLAs were tasked with overseeing their respective constituencies. As a symbolic step, Reddy said he would personally take charge of one mandal.
He also attacked the Centre’s VB-G RAM G scheme—Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission. He described the scheme as confusing and questioned its claim of building a “Developed India.” Reddy reaffirmed his commitment to fight for the full restoration of MGNREGS.
Congress prepares for major public outreach
Looking ahead to civic polls, Reddy announced plans to invite Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to a major public meeting in Mulugu. Starting February 3, the party will organise events in nine districts to mobilise support for the municipal elections.
He highlighted the party’s recent electoral success. Congress, he said, won 66 per cent of gram panchayat seats and posted strong results in municipal contests.
Reddy also promised to lead a door-to-door campaign. He expressed gratitude to Congress for making him Chief Minister and said he would work to strengthen its position.
He concluded by calling for unity. “Rahul Gandhi should be made Prime Minister. Telangana will stand with him to defeat Modi,” he said.