Hyderabad, February 15 – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy addressed the controversy surrounding his recent ‘Nene Raju, Nene Manthri’ (I am the king, I am the minister) statement on Sunday, asserting that it was misconstrued by critics.
Speaking at the Sant Sevalal Jayanti celebrations in Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills, Reddy explained that his words were specifically tied to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. ‘I merely meant that as Chief Minister and Municipal Administration Minister, I take full responsibility for the poll outcomes,’ he stated emphatically.
The remark, made during a media interaction in New Delhi on Friday, had sparked debates after Reddy declared no competition for the CM post within state politics or the Congress party. Opposition leaders pounced on it, accusing him of arrogance.
Reddy dismissed such notions, positioning himself not as a ruler but as a public servant. He highlighted Congress’s stellar performance in the municipal polls, securing 85-90% of seats, yet vowed not to gloat in victory or despair in defeat. ‘My focus remains on serving the poor,’ he affirmed.
Taking a swipe at opposition figures, Reddy remarked, ‘Some believe they were born to rule.’ He paid heartfelt tribute to Sant Sevalal, guide to 15 crore Lambada community members nationwide, crediting their pivotal role in the Telangana statehood movement.
Under Congress rule, the government has officially adopted Sevalal Jayanti celebrations. Reddy announced ambitious welfare plans: bitumen roads for all ‘Thandas’ (tribal hamlets), government schools and panchayat buildings in each, solar power electrification, and quality education drives.
Recalling Indira Gandhi’s legacy of reservations and land allotments for tribals, Reddy noted current land constraints but pledged unwavering support. He boasted of elevating Scheduled Castes (SCs) with 30% posts despite their 15% population share, including four ministers and the Assembly Speaker.
Reddy’s 20-year political journey has been bolstered by Lambada support, he claimed, underscoring his commitment to inclusive governance for Dalits and Adivasis alike. These steps signal a new era of empowerment for Telangana’s marginalized communities.