Hyderabad erupted in protests on Tuesday as Telangana Jagruti, led by its president Kalvakuntla Kavitha, took to the streets demanding the Congress government fulfill its long-overdue election pledges to women. The demonstration outside Praja Bhavan drew over 1,000 women, who voiced their frustration through resounding slogans.
Former MP Kavitha spearheaded the rally, marching alongside the crowd before submitting a detailed memorandum to officials. The document urgently called for implementation of key promises, including 10 grams of gold for brides, electric scooters for girl students, and a monthly financial aid of ₹2,500 for Telangana women.
Chants filled the air as participants highlighted the government’s inaction on these commitments made during the elections. Kavitha didn’t stop there; she pressed for funding in the upcoming budget session to honor pledges to Anganwadi and ASHA workers as well.
In a fiery speech, Kavitha branded the Congress as synonymous with betrayal, noting that 26 months in power have yielded zero progress on women’s promises. She demanded immediate budget allocations for ₹2,500 monthly aid, scooters for students, and ₹4,000 pensions.
Kavitha also reminded the government of commitments to increase pensions for senior citizens, the differently-abled, and other beneficiaries. Amid the political heat, she took a moment to wish her father, former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, a happy birthday on social media platform X.
‘Heartfelt birthday wishes to the movement leader and respected elder Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Garu,’ she posted. Kavitha’s journey has been turbulent; she left the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) last year after suspension for anti-party activities and resigned from the Legislative Council.
Now heading Telangana Jagruti, a cultural organization she founded during the Telangana movement, Kavitha recently hinted at launching a new political party within three months. This protest signals her growing influence and the mounting pressure on the Congress government to deliver on its word.