"No Day Off in 3 Years": Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Opens Up on Exhaustion and Strength
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy reveals he hasn't taken a day off in three years and announces statues for social reformers on Tank Bund.
In a candid moment that highlighted the grueling nature of political leadership, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy revealed that he has not taken a single day off in three years. Speaking at a public gathering, the Chief Minister admitted to feeling the weight of his schedule but credited the people of the state for providing him with the resilience to keep pushing forward.
The revelation came during a program commemorating the birth anniversary of Panduga Sayanna. Addressing the crowd, Reddy asked rhetorically, "Have I ever taken a day off in 3 years?" He confessed that while he was feeling tired on that particular day, he chose to attend the event regardless, stating, "You are the ones who give me strength and power."
Honoring the Forgotten Heroes
Beyond his personal reflections, the Chief Minister used the platform to address what he described as the systemic erasure of the histories of key social reformers. He specifically mentioned the legacies of Chakali Ilamma, Doddi Komuraiah, and Panduga Sayanna.
To rectify this, CM Revanth Reddy announced a significant move to immortalize these figures in the public eye:
- Statues on Tank Bund: The government will unveil statues of Panduga Sayanna and Doddi Komuraiah at the prominent Tank Bund location.
- Legacy of Service: The CM paid tribute to figures like Gaddar and Ande Sri, noting that they dedicated their entire lives to the betterment of society.
The Legacy of Panduga Sayanna
The Chief Minister spoke passionately about Panduga Sayanna’s fighting spirit, recalling his bravery during the Nizam’s rule. In an era where feudal lords, known as Doras, frequently encroached upon the lands of the poor, Sayanna stood as a shield for the marginalized and organized resistance against the feudal system.
Reddy highlighted Sayanna's compassion, noting his tradition of providing financial aid for the weddings of daughters from impoverished families. He also recounted a historical detail where the Maharani of Wanaparthy paid a significant sum to secure Sayanna's release from the Nizam’s police. Despite his unjust murder, the CM noted that Sayanna's influence persists, as his songs are still sung during sowing and harvesting seasons a century later.
Political Empowerment and the Mudiraj Community
Turning toward governance and social justice, the Chief Minister emphasized that the "People's Government" is prioritizing the political empowerment of all Backward Classes (BC) communities. A major point of discussion was the reclassification of the Mudiraj community.
Reddy announced that a cabinet sub-committee would be formed to study the inclusion of the Mudiraj community in the BC-A category. He explained that a lack of accurate data had previously hindered the move to shift them from the BC-D category. "We will discuss this issue in the next cabinet meeting," the CM stated.
Highlighting his personal connection to the community, Reddy mentioned that the Mudiraj population is the largest in his Kodangal constituency. He pointed to his track record of inclusion, citing the appointments of Srihari Mudiraj as a minister and Neelam Madhu as a Lok Sabha candidate. He further urged Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to coordinate with TPCC President Mahesh Goud to ensure an MLC ticket is provided to a member of the Mudiraj community.
The Milestone of the BC Census
The Chief Minister also shed light on the significance of the BC Census conducted by his administration. He noted that this is the first such census undertaken in 100 years, since the era of British rule.
Reddy explained that this data is crucial for allowing communities to voice their demands with evidence-based strength. He encouraged all communities to review the census reports and provide full details to rectify any errors in population counts, ensuring a fair representation for all.