Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, 11 November declared that the Indian National Congress is the only political force in the country capable of taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while also accusing the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of functioning as a covert ally of the saffron party at the national level.

Key Remarks at National Education Day Event

Speaking at celebrations marking National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day — held to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad — Revanth Reddy delivered a pointed political attack on the BJP. He took aim at what he described as the BJP's systematic effort to roll back minority welfare provisions, including scholarship programmes and job reservations.

Revanth Reddy used a colourful metaphor to describe the BRS's relationship with the BJP: 'The car (BRS party symbol) which starts from the local streets of Telangana, turns into Lotus (BJP symbol) the moment it reaches Delhi,' he said. The remark was a direct attempt to undercut the BRS ahead of continuing political competition in the state.

Attack on BJP Over Minority Reservations

The Chief Minister criticised the BJP for stalling minority reservation in both education and employment. He challenged the party to first dismantle minority reservations in its home state of Gujarat before targeting such provisions elsewhere, arguing that the Congress government in Telangana provides a 4 per cent reservation for minorities. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to disenfranchise the poor and minorities, whom he credited the Congress with empowering through the right to vote.

Development Commitments for Minorities and Old City

Revanth Reddy outlined a range of government initiatives aimed at minority welfare, including expedited Metro Rail works in Hyderabad's Old City and the Musi Rejuvenation Project, which he said would restore the area's historical significance. He also highlighted the potential of a night economy along the Musi River as an economic driver for the region. The Chief Minister assured the minority community that understanding and resolving their challenges is his personal responsibility.

Skills, AI, and Azad's Educational Legacy

Invoking Maulana Azad's legacy in building India's vocational infrastructure, Revanth Reddy said his government has upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) to equip youth with market-ready skills. He warned that software engineering jobs face growing displacement from AI technology, and said the government is prioritising blue-collar skill development — roles he argued AI cannot replicate. The state has already established the Young India Skills University and a Sports University, he added.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Congress's record of political empowerment of Muslims, citing appointments including cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin to the state cabinet and Shabbir Ali as an advisor. Athletes Nikhat Zareen and Mohammed Siraj were honoured with cash rewards and government jobs. Minister for Minority Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and other senior leaders were present at the event.

With assembly-level consolidation and the 2029 general elections on the horizon, Revanth Reddy's remarks signal an increasingly assertive Congress stance in Telangana — positioning the party as both the state's governing force and the BJP's most credible national challenger.