With “role model” caste census and welfare initiatives, Revanth Reddy gains in stature in Congress

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 26 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who played a key role in stellar victory of Congress in the assembly elections in 2023, has seemingly risen in stature within the party in nearly 19 months of his stewardship of the state government with the central leadership highlighting some of the initiatives as a role model including the caste census.    

Revanth Reddy is among the ongress Chief Ministers and leaders who have joined Rahul Gandhi during his ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra in poll-bound Bihar. He was in Supaul, Bihar, on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly lauded the Telangana government’s caste survey initiative, describing it as a “historic step” and a “blueprint for Social Justice 2.0.”

The survey, which recommended 42% OBC reservations, has been praised for its data-driven approach to inclusive governance.

The Telangana government passed bills in March for 42 per cent reservation for OBCs in education, employment, and local bodies.  The caste survey and the bills have given a thrust to the Congress’s “OBC” pitch for the upcoming assembly elections, as also the next Lok Sabha polls

Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly raised the issue of the caste census. The Centre has included caste enumeration in the upcoming population census.

Rahul Gandhi has lauded Telangana’s efforts to expand the ambit of reservations and its measures for the welfare of gig workers, who face a lot of struggles.  

During a consultation meeting held in Rahul Gandhi’s presence, Revanth Reddy had assured him that Telangana would deliver on every commitment made by the Congress leadership. He emphasised that his government functions as “soldiers of Rahul Gandhi,” driven by shared ideals of social justice.

Congress leaders said that Revanth Reddy regularly meets party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to provide updates on Telangana’s performance.

Revanth Reddy responded positively to Rahul Gandhi’s suggestion for enacting the Rohith Vemula Act.

Ahead of the assembly polls, Congress leadership put its trust in a young Revanth Reddy for his forthrightness in taking up issues. Having been out of power in Telangana for 10 years, despite being instrumental in its creation,  the state was vital for Congress.  The sweepstakes were high with the BJP gaining ground in the southern state, which was regarded as a strong base of Congress.

Revanth Reddy helped the party come to power with his strategy and aggressive campaigning and was made the Chief Minister. Congress leaders also talk of the party government’s achievements in Telangana in other poll-bound states. (ANI)