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It’s close to 30 months since the Congress Government assumed office. How has the ‘People’s March’ goal of reviving the Congress’s image translated into the current Praja Palana model? Is the government successfully maintaining the ‘accessible leadership’ style promised during the yatra?
The People’s March (Padayatra) played a major role in bringing the Congress party to power, and today it continues to contribute to people‑centric governance. Accessibility to the government is now fully ensured; citizens can approach us anytime and from anywhere. We are inviting people to Praja Bhavan, receiving applications under the Praja Palana initiative, and resolving issues continuously. Ministers and MLAs maintain constant contact with the public at the district level. As Deputy Chief Minister, I can say we are fully committed to public service — implementing not only the promises we made but also additional welfare measures. While as the Congress Legislature Party leader I undertook the padayatra meeting the people, then TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy addressed huge public meetings and the end result is Congress coming to power. To commemorate three years of the padayatra, the Chief Minister and I will address a rally in Pippiri on Monday (April 6, 2026) and fulfill the promises made to the local people.
During the yatra, your focus was on addressing land and housing issues. How effectively has the current administration’s Indiramma Indlu scheme and land regularisation policies addressed grievances gathered during your mass contact programme?
We assured people during the padayatra that an Indiramma government would provide housing support of ₹5 lakh per beneficiary. As promised, after coming to power, we are constructing houses with ₹5 lakh assistance. In the first phase alone, around 4.5 lakh houses were sanctioned, and construction is progressing rapidly. The Indiramma housing scheme will continue as an ongoing process for all eligible beneficiaries. During the previous government, the Dharani system caused hardships to poor and middle‑class citizens. We had promised to abolish it and we did so immediately after coming to power. In its place, we introduced the Bhu Bharati Act, a transparent and accessible system to resolve land‑related issues.
Another important issue you highlighted was the agrarian crisis. To what extent has the government fulfilled the ₹2 lakh crop loan waiver and established a stable system for paddy procurement?
Bhatti: Understanding the challenges faced by farmers, we implemented major reforms. Within the first year of assuming office, farm loans up to ₹2 lakh were waived in a single phase. Over ₹21,000 crore was directly deposited into farmers’ accounts. Earlier, farmers had to protest by dumping their produce due to lack of procurement. Now, we procure every grain produced and ensure payments are credited within a week. During the last Kharif season, the government procured 70.82 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, setting a national record. Additionally, farmers cultivating fine paddy are given a ₹500 per quintal bonus, generating up to ₹25,000 additional income per farmer. This reflects our commitment to agriculture.
A significant part of your padayatra covered SC and ST constituencies. How is the current government’s allocation of funds for these sections?
Bhatti: With the goal of uplifting marginalized SC/ST communities, the SC/ST Sub‑Plan Act introduced during the Congress Government in united Andhra Pradesh is being effectively implemented again. The previous government failed to implement it for ten years. Our government is ensuring proper allocation and utilisation of funds under this Act.
As a senior Congress leader, you also paid attention to youth and unemployment. Has the government succeeded in restoring student trust through employment notifications and filling vacant jobs?
Bhatti: The People’s Government introduced several reforms for unemployed youth. Our biggest achievement was revamping the Telangana State Public Service Commission and appointing committed persons as its members. We introduced a job calendar similar to UPSC standards. Unlike the previous government, which failed due to repeated question paper leaks, we successfully conducted Group‑1 exams and issued appointment letters quickly. The Supreme Court upholding the High Court verdict on Group‑1 appointments shows our credibility. So far, we have filled 67,000 government jobs, reflecting our commitment to employment generation.
Parents highlighted poor infrastructure in government schools during the yatra. How has the government responded?
Bhatti: After documenting these issues, education reforms were prioritized. Plans include establishing Young India Integrated Residential Schools with international standards, setting up one Telangana Public School in every Assembly constituency, and undertaking large‑scale infrastructure development. These measures are intended to transform the educational landscape and ensure children across the State have access to quality learning environments.
How has the ‘People’s March’ served as the blueprint for the current Six Guarantees, and is the bond with the rural population still strong despite fiscal challenges?
Bhatti: The People’s March created a deep bond between the Congress party and the people. Understanding their emotions and problems, we are implementing large‑scale welfare programs through the Six Guarantees. In addition, we introduced schemes like Indiramma Life Insurance and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam. Despite financial constraints and debts inherited from the previous government, we are working up to 18 hours a day to fulfil all promises.
Did your padayatra fundamentally shift the State’s functioning from a centralized model to a welfare‑heavy, decentralised ‘People’s Government’?
Bhatti: The People’s March has evolved into a People’s Government. Citizens are active participants, and the government is accountable to them. Unlike in the past, decisions are no longer taken behind closed doors. The entire Cabinet works independently and collaboratively. We go to the people, and their opinions guide our governance. For holistic development, the State under leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, myself and entire cabinet, have charted plans for three economic zones: the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE), the Peri‑Urban Region Economy (PURE), and the Rural Agricultural Region Economy (RARE). The Cabinet has set its sights on achieving a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
Did the yatra’s focus on the Kaleshwaram project failures shift priorities toward more efficient irrigation projects?
Bhatti: We had earlier warned that the Kaleshwaram project could become a financial and structural burden due to high maintenance and power costs, as well as design flaws. These concerns were validated by the National Dam Safety Authority. Going forward, the government will prioritise scientifically planned irrigation projects that deliver maximum benefit at lower cost. Ongoing projects will be completed, and expert‑recommended projects will be prioritised.
How did the integration of the ‘Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan’ into the padayatra help connect national‑level issues with local rural problems?
Bhatti: Telangana is an integral part of India. As part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, issues from across the country were documented and integrated into governance approaches. Telangana is emerging as one of the fastest‑growing States, contributing significantly to national progress through rising GSDP and per capita income.
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