Telangana CM Revanth accuses BJP of conspiring to scrap minority reservations
Hyderabad, Nov 11 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday accused the BJP of attempting to abolish reservations for minorities in education and employment and discontinue scholarships, while asserting that the Congress government accorded top priority to minority welfare and empowerment.
Addressing the National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day celebrations here, the Chief Minister said the Congress alone had the political strength to take on the BJP at the national level.
He alleged that the BRS was indirectly aligned with the BJP, saying the BRS ‘Car’ symbol would turn into a ‘Lotus’ once it reached Delhi.
Questioning the BJP’s opposition to minority reservations, Revanth Reddy asked which God had instructed the party to abolish minority scholarships.
He recalled that the Congress had provided four per cent reservation to minorities and challenged the BJP to first abolish reservations in Gujarat before talking about scrapping them in Telangana.
He also alleged that the BJP was attempting to deprive minorities of their rights, while the Congress had empowered weaker sections and minorities through political and social opportunities.
Stating that the government was committed to the development of the Old City, the Chief Minister said Metro Rail works were being expedited and the Musi rejuvenation project would help restore the area’s past glory.
He also stressed the potential of developing a night-time economy along the Musi river.
Recalling the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to India’s education system, Revanth Reddy said the government had upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) to improve technical skills and enhance employment opportunities.
Referring to the impact of artificial intelligence on the information technology sector, he said conventional software engineering jobs were facing challenges and the government was focusing on developing skills for blue-collar jobs that were less susceptible to automation.
The government had established the Young India Skills University and a Sports University to promote skill development and sporting talent, he said.
Appealing to Muslim parents to provide quality education to their children, the Chief Minister said education and skill development were essential for transforming lives. The government was ready to extend all possible assistance to ensure better educational opportunities for minority students.
He said the government had also recognised the contributions of minority sportspersons, including boxer Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj, by extending cash incentives and government jobs.
Parents should encourage their children to excel in sports, he added.
Highlighting the Congress party’s role in providing political representation to minorities, Revanth Reddy referred to leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shabbir Ali.
He also recalled the induction of former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin into the State Cabinet and the appointment of Shabbir Ali as an adviser.
The Chief Minister paid tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, recalling that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had entrusted him with the responsibility of advancing education in the country.
Azad played a key role in laying the foundation for the country’s education system, he said.
TNT TS
