Hyderabad: Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy termed the municipal poll victory referendum on the Congress government’s welfare governance and a rejection of BJP’s alleged religious polarisation in North Telangana.
Addressing party cadres at the Congress office in Nizamabad after the election of the chairperson and mayor of Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, he described the results as a resounding endorsement of inclusive and development-focused governance.
He said the Congress had stalled what he called BJP’s attempts to polarise politics in North Telangana. According to him, the party’s secular credentials remained its hallmark.
“We will not allow the state to become a victim of divisive politics, as happened in some northern states,” he said. He added that growing public aversion towards the BJP stemmed from what he described as its sponsored polarisation politics. “Our focus will remain on development with an unbiased approach,” he stated.
Municipal poll victory referendum across 123 urban bodies
The municipal elections covered 123 urban local bodies, including 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, with a total of 2,996 wards. Uttam said Congress emerged as the dominant force in these polls.
He stated that the party secured around 1,537 wards, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections. He credited party workers and loyalists for the results, saying they worked with commitment and conviction.
According to him, Congress gained outright control in a majority of municipalities and corporations, reflecting strong public support across urban areas.
In Nizamabad, he said, the party secured the mayor’s post despite what he described as polarised politics. He attributed the win to strategic alliances, including support from AIMIM corporators.
He congratulated newly elected Mayor K. Uma Rani and other leaders. He described her victory as symbolic of grassroots leadership within the party.
Recalling the past, Uttam said Congress had won the Nizamabad Corporation in 2006 when he was in charge of the civic body. In a lighter remark, he noted that the party regained the corporation after two decades with him again serving as Minister in charge of the Nizamabad Parliamentary constituency for the municipal elections.
Municipal poll victory referendum linked to welfare schemes
The minister reiterated key welfare measures implemented by the Congress government. He cited unlimited distribution of fine rice to eligible ration card holders covering over 85 per cent of the population, free electricity up to 200 units, and free bus travel for women.
He also highlighted record paddy production and procurement in districts such as Nizamabad.
Further, Uttam pledged major investments in urban infrastructure. He said the government would focus on CC roads, drainage, sanitation, education, health and power infrastructure in urban bodies including Nizamabad, Armoor, Bodhan, Korutla, Metpalli, Jagtial and Raikal.
He added that the aim was to transform these towns into national role models.
The minister also stressed irrigation priorities. He said the government would expedite completion of Packages 21 and 22 for Nizamabad Rural and undertake desilting of SRSP and Nizam Sagar to restore storage capacities.
Contrasting the present administration with previous governments, he claimed the current regime ensured proactive and round-the-clock governance.