Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has challenged the BJP to abolish minority reservations in Gujarat before making threats to remove the 4% reservation currently provided to minorities in Telangana. He reaffirmed that his government would continue protecting minority welfare, educational opportunities and constitutional benefits.
Speaking at the National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day celebrations in Hyderabad, Revanth Reddy recalled the BJP's announcement at a public meeting in Chevella about removing minority reservations. Responding to the statement, he said the Congress had challenged the BJP to introduce the same policy in Gujarat before attempting to implement it in Telangana.
The Chief Minister credited the Congress with introducing 4% reservations for minorities in undivided Andhra Pradesh. He accused the BJP of trying to deprive minority communities of welfare benefits and questioned the discontinuation of minority scholarships. He also alleged that attempts were being made to remove poor and minority voters from electoral rolls.
Taking aim at the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Revanth Reddy alleged that the party was indirectly helping the BJP. Using a political comparison involving the BRS car symbol and the BJP's lotus symbol, he argued that the Congress remained the strongest political force capable of challenging the BJP.
Highlighting the Congress party's history of supporting minority representation, he referred to Mohammed Azharuddin's appointment as a minister and Mohammed Ali Shabbir's appointment as a government adviser under his administration.
Revanth Reddy Highlights Education and Skill Development
Remembering Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on National Education Day, the Chief Minister acknowledged his contribution to India's education system, including the development of IITs and technical education institutions.
He said the Telangana government was transforming Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Technology Centres to prepare young people for changing employment requirements. He also cautioned that artificial intelligence could affect jobs in software and other industries, making practical skills and technical training increasingly important.
According to Revanth Reddy, skilled blue-collar employment would continue to provide considerable opportunities for young people in the evolving job market.
Focus on Old City Development and Youth Opportunities
The Chief Minister also reiterated his government's commitment to developing Hyderabad's historic areas. Declaring that Hyderabad was not merely the Old City but the Original City, he said development initiatives were being accelerated.
He highlighted the progress of Metro Rail works in the Old City and discussed the proposed Musi River rejuvenation project, which aims to restore the area's former prominence. The government also plans to develop a night-time economy along the Musi riverfront.
Encouraging minority families to prioritise education, professional skills and sports, Revanth Reddy cited boxer Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj as examples of successful sporting personalities.
He also pointed to the establishment of Young India Skills University and Young India Sports University as initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people.
Concluding his address, Revanth Reddy assured minority communities that his government would listen to their concerns and work towards addressing them. He urged parents to educate their children and equip them with practical skills, promising continued support for their development.
