Godavarikhani, The Reporter TV : Ramagundam MLA and Peddapalli District Congress Committee president M.S. Raj Thakur has alleged that BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) is criticising the Congress government to cover up the failures of the previous BRS regime in addressing Singareni workers’ welfare and development issues. He accused KTR of attempting to provoke workers for political gain and demanded that he apologise to the Singareni workforce.
Addressing a press conference at his local MLA camp office on Thursday, Raj Thakur responded to the remarks made by KTR during his visit to Ramagundam. He questioned why the previous BRS government had failed to fulfil its promises to Singareni workers despite repeatedly speaking about workers’ rights and the Telangana movement.
Congress Government Focusing on Workers’ Welfare
Raj Thakur said the Congress government was giving priority to the welfare of Singareni employees. He cited the announcement of a 34 per cent share in company profits for workers, efforts to resolve the alias-name issue and initiatives aimed at fulfilling workers’ dream of owning homes.
He also said the government had taken steps towards reinstating employees who had been dismissed from service, alleging that their problems had not received adequate attention earlier. He further highlighted the provision of ₹1 crore insurance coverage for Singareni workers, stating that the welfare of employees and their families remained a priority.
Referring to vigilance cases during the previous BRS government, Raj Thakur alleged that workers had faced difficulties under the earlier administration. He challenged KTR to explain why these issues had not been resolved when the BRS was in power.
Questions Over Ramagundam’s Development
Raj Thakur said people from Bellampalli, Mancherial and Srirampur had visited Ramagundam and had an opportunity to observe the development taking place in the region. He thanked KTR for providing an occasion to highlight the area’s development during the latter’s visit.
The MLA accused the previous BRS government of neglecting Ramagundam while focusing on other regions, including Sircilla and Siddipet. He alleged that the contribution and hard-earned money of Singareni workers had not translated into adequate development for their own region.
He further accused BRS leaders of attempting to influence workers with an eye on the upcoming Singareni elections. He said workers were aware of the facts and would express their views at the appropriate time. He maintained that the sacrifices of workers and the difficulties faced by their families should not be used for political gains.
Raj Thakur Refers to Telangana Movement Leaders
Raj Thakur also referred to the sacrifices made during the Telangana statehood movement, mentioning Kasoju Srikanth Chary. He questioned KTR’s remarks concerning Godavarikhani-born Srikanth Odela and criticised KTR over his alleged absence from the funeral of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar.
He said respecting Telangana movement activists and recognising their sacrifices were collective responsibilities. He added that the Congress government was committed to supporting the families of those who fought for Telangana.
Demand for an Apology to Singareni Workers
Reiterating his demand, Raj Thakur said KTR should explain why the previous BRS government had failed to take a clear decision on workers’ long-standing demand for housing.
He called upon KTR, as the BRS working president, to apologise to Singareni workers and clarify the previous government’s position on their welfare and rights.
Raj Thakur asserted that the Congress government was committed to protecting workers’ interests, resolving their problems and securing the future of their families.
The press conference was attended by city Mayor Mahankali Swamy, Deputy Mayor Pathapalli Yellaiah, senior party leaders, corporators and other Congress representatives.
