The Telangana Congress on Wednesday accused Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of ignoring the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the State.
Speaking after paying floral tributes to the statue of Komaram Bheem on his 74th anniversary of martyrdom at Tank Bund, TPCC President Ponnala Lakshmaiah slammed KCR for completely ignoring the Scheduled Tribes in the new State of Telangana. He alleged that not a single promise made for the Tribal welfare was honoured by the Chief Minister in the last four months. Recalling the fight of Komaram Bheem against the rule of Nizam, he said that the famous tribal leader laid down his life to protect the interests and rights of Tribals. He said Komaram Bheem’s life would remain an inspiration for everyone who fights against suppression and injustices.
TPCC Vice-President Mohammed Ali Shabbir recalled that Komaram Bheem gave the slogan of Jal, Jungle aur Jameen (Water, Forests and Land) and did not bow down before the Nizam’s army for the rights of tribals. He said Komaram Bheem’s ideals stand valid even today and they must be emulated to get justice for the Scheduled Tribes who are still backward in all walks of life. He criticised the TRS Government for not giving any representation to STs in the State Cabinet. “While KCR’s son, daughter, son-in-law and other close relatives are enjoying power, he did not induct a single minister from the ST community and gave a wrong impression that the Tribals are not capable of becoming ministers. He also did not take any steps to implement the promise of 12% reservation for STs,” he said.
Shabbir Ali also accused KCR of paying symbolic tribute to Komaram Bheem. He said fulfillment of all the promises made with the STs would be the real tribute to Komaram Bheem and his followers.
Former Union Minister Balram Naik demanded that the TRS Government fulfill all the promises that it made with the STs. He reminded that the previous Congress Government not only ensured political empowerment of STs in the State, but he himself was made a Union Minister.
TPCC ST Department Chairman Jagan Naik and other Congress leaders also addressed the gathering.
Later, Shabbir Ali led a silent protest along with scores of Tribals at the statue of Komaram Bheem. They were holding the placards demanding induction of ST Minister; 12% reservation; 3 acres of land for each tribal family and fulfillment of all other promises made by the TRS during elections.
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