Hyderabad, November 11, 2026: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday asserted that the Congress is the only political party capable of taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level. He also accused the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of indirectly supporting the BJP in New Delhi.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while participating in National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day celebrations organised to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister.
Targeting the BRS, Revanth Reddy used the party’s car symbol to allege that its political position changes after reaching the national capital.
“The car (BRS party symbol) which starts from the local streets of Telangana, turns into Lotus (BJP symbol) the moment it reaches Delhi,” he said.
Revanth Reddy Questions BJP Over Minority Reservations
The Chief Minister criticised the BJP over its stand on minority reservations in education and employment. Questioning the party’s opposition to minority welfare schemes, he asked who had instructed the BJP to abolish minority scholarships.
He said the Congress government was committed to continuing the four per cent reservation provided to minorities in Telangana. Recalling the BJP’s announcement about abolishing minority reservations, he challenged the party to first implement such a decision in Gujarat.
Revanth Reddy alleged that while the Congress had empowered poor and minority communities by ensuring their right to vote, the BJP was attempting to deprive them of their democratic rights.
Old City Development Gets Priority
Highlighting the Telangana government’s commitment to minority welfare, the Chief Minister said development works in Hyderabad’s Old City were being accelerated.
He stated that Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion works in the Old City were being taken up expeditiously. He also expressed confidence that the Musi Rejuvenation Project would help restore the historic glory of the Old City.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of developing a night-time economy along the Musi River to generate employment and promote economic activity.
He assured minority communities that addressing their concerns and resolving their problems remained his responsibility.
ITIs Upgraded Into Advanced Training Centres
Remembering Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contribution to India’s education system, Revanth Reddy highlighted his role in laying the foundation for the development of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
He said the Telangana government had upgraded ITIs into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) to improve technical skills and create better employment opportunities for young people.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on software engineering jobs.
He observed that employment opportunities in software engineering were declining due to technological advancements and said the government was focusing on developing skills for blue-collar jobs that would be difficult for AI to replace.
“If one acquires the necessary skills, there will be no shortage of opportunities for blue-collar jobs in the future,” he said.
Young India Skills University and Sports University
Revanth Reddy said the Telangana government was giving priority to skill development and sports.
He highlighted the establishment of the Young India Skills University and the Sports University as important initiatives aimed at preparing youth for future employment opportunities and promoting sporting talent.
Appealing to Muslim parents to ensure quality education for their children, he said education was the most powerful tool for transforming lives.
He urged young people to focus on education and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive employment market.
Congress Committed to Minority Political Empowerment
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Congress party’s contribution to the political empowerment of minority communities.
Referring to leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shabbir Ali, he said the Congress had provided several opportunities to minority leaders.
He noted that former Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin had been inducted into the Telangana Cabinet, while senior Congress leader Shabbir Ali was appointed as an adviser to the government.
Revanth Reddy also recalled the government’s recognition of international sporting achievements by minority athletes Nikhat Zareen and Mohammed Siraj through cash rewards and government jobs.
Tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Recalling the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Chief Minister said India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, had given special importance to education and irrigation.
Nehru entrusted Azad with the responsibility of advancing education in independent India by appointing him as the country’s first Education Minister.
Revanth Reddy said Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a significant role in shaping India’s education policy and laying the foundation for the country’s educational development.
Minister for Minority Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and several other leaders attended the celebrations.
