Congress Launches Janahitha Padayatra

Hyderabad:The Congress, led by AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, launched the ‘Janahitha Padayatra’ on Thursday evening in Rangapur, Parigi Assembly constituency. The event witnessed large participation from prominent Congress leaders, including IT minister D. Sridhar Babu, TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, Parigi MLA T. Rammohan Reddy and several MLAs and MLCs from the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district.

The padayatra, which is aimed at strengthening the party’s base ahead of the upcoming local body elections, began with the hoisting of the national flag at Rangapur crossroads. Locals turned out in large numbers to join the walkathon, creating a massive show of support. The procession was so extensive that vehicles were lined up for several kilometres, reflecting the enthusiasm among the people.

The first phase of the padayatra will continue until August 4, covering one Assembly constituency from each of the six erstwhile districts of Telangana. It will culminate in the Khanapur Assembly constituency in the Adilabad region. The second phase will begin on August 8 and cover the remaining four districts of the state.

Natarajan outlined the key issues the Congress aims to address through the padayatra. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, she said this initiative is meant to understand people’s concerns firsthand. She highlighted the Congress government’s initiatives, such as free fine rice for the poor and free bus services for women. She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the ideals of social reformers like Phule and Ambedkar. On the issue of reservations, she emphasised the need for population-based allocations and reiterated the party’s demand for 42 per cent BC reservations in Delhi.

Speaking at the event, TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, responding to criticism over the need for a padayatra despite being in power, said it was vital to assess what more the people expect from the government. He contrasted the Congress government with its predecessor, stating that Telangana had attracted investments worth `1.8 lakh crore and created 65,000 jobs under Congress rule, with plans to generate another 35,000. He also urged BJP leaders to support the BC reservation Bill.

Congress leaders expressed confidence in winning the upcoming local body polls, stating that the people of Telangana support their agenda of justice, welfare, and inclusive growth.