People in Telangana are happy with Congress; BRS no longer on their minds: Mahesh Goud

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud has reiterated that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has lost its relevance among the people of Telangana, owing to the political and administrative chaos it unleashed during its rule, which pushed the State deep into debt — a reality that citizens are slowly beginning to grasp.

In an interview with The Hindu, he said that the BRS now survives only on social media, where its posts are viewed more as entertainment than political substance, while the Congress remains firmly rooted among the people. Edited excerpts from the interview:

Q: How do you see the strength of the BRS and BJP in light of Jubilee Hills bypoll and the upcoming local body polls?

A: It will be a straight contest between Congress and BRS with nominal presence of the BJP. It may appear triangular, but the BJP is extremely weak here. Last time, there was an understanding between the BRS and BJP, but this time, the tide is clearly in our favour. MIM’s open support to the Congress would further strengthen the party’s position.

Q: BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao said Congress fielded a rowdy sheeter, referring to Naveen Yadav. How does the party respond to it?

A: Our candidate is a people’s person, active in social service for over 15 years. His family was falsely implicated years ago but later acquitted. People understand these political games. The voters see him as one among them, beyond caste, religion or region. The government’s welfare measures like Indiramma Illu, Rythu Bharosa, fine-quality rice distribution and free power supply have created a strong sense of satisfaction among people.

The party will continue to expose the large scale corruption under the previous BRS regime. The BRS leadership, particularly the KCR family, stands discredited for their misuse of power and wealth. Every section of society knows how deeply corruption was entrenched under their rule.

Q: BRS has been alleging that the city’s infrastructure is neglected by the Congress and the government has no focus and plan for the city?

A: The Congress government is committed to the development of urban infrastructure, which is under stress due to the lopsided policies of the BRS for 10 years. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s plan of Musi riverfront development, Future City and announcement of new Metro Rail routes are proof of that commitment.

There is a real estate recession across the world over the last few years and Hyderabad is still the desired destination due to its affordable prices. The new projects and the Regional Ring Road will change Hyderabad’s face. All that BRS did was peripheral while we are concentrating on concrete measures.

Q: Courts diluted your BC empowerment plan and caste survey due to technical and legal deficiencies. How do you plan to go about it?

A: Our government is committed to 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs). The Chief Minister should be praised for his consistent efforts. The Supreme Court has not struck down our decision but asked us to wait for the High Court’s decision. The caste survey in Telangana is a historic step and a model for the entire country.

Courts will be convinced since we presented empirical data supported by legal framework through the Dedicated Commission as desired by the Supreme Court. It provides the empirical data needed to justify enhanced reservations before the courts.