Real Telangana activists never claim titles, says Chief Minister

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy remarked that true activists never call themselves activists, pointing out that poet Andesri never claimed the title, while some others who did so ended up with “TV channels, newspapers, and vast properties.”

Though not named directly, the Chief Minister’s comments were aimed at former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his family members. He made these comments after releasing ‘Hasita Bhashpalu’ book authored by Sriram and published by poet Andesri.

Referring to comments seeking revenge on his political opponents since he was in power, the Chief Minister said he doesn’t consider his opponents as enemies.

“To see someone as an enemy, they must be worthy of it,” he said, adding that his rise from the movement in 2006 to becoming Chief Minister in just 17 years was perhaps to serve people as no politician had got this opportunity to serve as a ZPTC member, MLC, MLA, MP and now Chief Minister in such a short span.

Mr. Reddy promised that the mandate he received would be used for public welfare, and he was not foolish enough to use power against those who dislike him. “Telangana people have entrusted me with a huge responsibility, and I will work for their betterment,” he said.

Mr. Reddy said he took pride in making women from 109 countries sing ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana’ penned by a mason (Andesri) and bowing before ‘Telangana Thalli’, a true reflection of four crore Telangana people.

The Chief Minister asserted that real development lies in empowering the poor with dignity. “Four lakh Indiramma houses, ration cards, and subsidized rice have given people the strength to live with self-respect,” he said.