People over positions, Etela Rajender on T’gana politics

In a press conference in Huzurabad constituency on Friday, MP Etela Rajender sharply criticized the Congress government, accusing the party of lacking sincerity, honesty, and commitment. He said the Congress has repeatedly failed to fulfill promises made to the people and highlighted that local body elections have not been held even after two years.

Etela pointed out that while the Congress government had promised to implement 42% BC reservations and hold elections within six months, it has now stepped back, leaving the public disappointed. “After deceiving people for so long, what face will they show to ask for votes?” he asked.

The MP emphasized that he is not driven by positions or power. “Solving people’s problems and bringing positive change in their lives is what matters most to me. My connection with the people comes first,” he said. He added that if he were an opportunist, he would have stayed close to KCR, but as a product of the people’s movements, he fights against injustice and has never backed down. “When Telangana’s history is written, my name will appear in at least five pages,” he asserted.

Recalling his 25-year-long relationship with the people of Huzurabad, Etela said, “I am not new here. In every election so far, our team has won. Now, after joining the BJP, we are preparing for local body elections, and it is my responsibility to ensure victory for the team that has stood with me for 25 years.”

Etela criticized the Congress’s governance style, saying it has confused the people of Telangana. He pointed out that while Congress leaders promised 42% BC reservations in a state where 85% of the population belongs to marginalized communities, the party failed to show the courage, commitment, or understanding to implement it, thereby cheating the people. He noted that the BJP has consistently supported this reservation demand in both the Assembly and the Council.

Criticism of Revanth Reddy Etela also targeted Revanth Reddy, questioning why he did not stage a protest in Jantar Mantar if he and the Telangana Congress had the ability to implement 42% BC reservations. He accused the Congress of creating confusion and bypassing the court’s timeline by accepting nominations prematurely, effectively undermining the process.

He urged organizations and leaders fighting for BC rights to act cautiously. Quoting Justice Eshwarayya, Etela said that some arguments made in opposition to the reservation are legally unsustainable. He warned that attempts to mislead the educated youth of Telangana would fail.

Finally, he called on the Congress government to hold local body elections immediately with 42% BC reservations, warning that failure to do so would provoke public anger.