Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, 18 August announced that the state government would extend pension benefits to all eligible toddy tappers, marking a significant welfare commitment to one of Telangana's oldest traditional communities. The announcement came during a public event in Hyderabad where Revanth Reddy unveiled the statue of Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud.

Key Welfare Announcements for Toddy Tappers

The Chief Minister stated that the government would assume direct responsibility for protecting the livelihoods of the toddy tapper community. Beyond pensions, he announced plans to plant wild date and Palmyra trees on government lands and along canal embankments to expand livelihood opportunities for the community.

Revanth Reddy also noted that the state was already providing a compensation of ₹5 lakh in cases of accidental death of toddy tappers — a provision he said would continue under his administration.

Critique of the Previous BRS Government

The Chief Minister levelled sharp criticism at the previous administration led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), alleging that it encouraged backward communities to remain confined to traditional occupations — such as rearing buffaloes and sheep, stitching footwear, and fishing — while neglecting the education of their children.

He claimed that since the Indian National Congress (INC) government came to power, children from these communities were being actively encouraged to pursue higher education and enter professions such as medicine, law, and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Social Justice and the 'Indiramma' Administration

Revanth Reddy invoked the concept of 'social justice' as a cornerstone of what he called the 'Indiramma' administration. 'This is a Telangana of the Bahujans. We have proven that social justice and the freedom to live are hallmarks of the Indiramma administration,' he said.

He cited specific appointments as evidence, including the elevation of Mahesh Kumar Goud as State Congress president and the induction of backward-class leaders — Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakiti Srihari, Seethakka, and Konda Surekha — into the Cabinet. He contrasted this with what he described as KCR's 'family justice', pointing out that during KCR's tenure, his son KTR and nephew Harish Rao rose to prominence in the government.

Allegations Against BRS and Political Rhetoric

Revanth Reddy alleged that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders were deploying 'ill-gotten wealth' to spread misinformation against his government through media and social media platforms. He made a pointed allegation against BRS leader Harish Rao, claiming he had travelled to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to perform occult rituals praying for drought and farmer losses — a claim that could not be independently verified.

'Those who practise black magic should be tied to trees and beaten,' the Chief Minister reportedly remarked, a statement that drew attention for its sharp tone.

Political Outlook and Appeal to the Goud Community

Affirming his confidence ahead of future elections, Revanth Reddy declared that the Congress would win 117 seats and retain power for a second consecutive term. He appealed to the Goud community to extend full support to the party, with TPCC President Mahesh Goud also present at the event.

The government's outreach to traditional communities signals a broader political strategy of consolidating backward-class support ahead of the next electoral cycle.