Hyderabad: In a notable political development, a coalition of 26 opposition parties has joined forces to challenge the Modi government's policies. However, allegations have arisen against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who identifies as secular, for not participating in any of the collaborative meetings, as claimed by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday. During a public gathering in Chevella, Kharge criticized KCR for failing to advocate for the unity of secular parties aimed at countering the BJP's influence.

"While professing your party's secular stance here, your apparent affiliations with the BJP raise suspicions," Kharge remarked. Kharge also took the opportunity to address criticisms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who questioned the Congress party's contributions to the nation. He highlighted Congress' historical achievements, including the integration of princely states, the drafting of the Constitution post-Independence, Nehru-era irrigation projects, nationalization of banks, and the promotion of computing technology during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister.

"Congress has been instrumental in establishing prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, ISRO, DRDO, HAL, ONGC, and SAIL. Our legacy includes significant contributions to the public sector," Kharge asserted. This reference to ISRO comes amid the nation's celebration of the Chandrayaan-3 mission's success. Kharge unveiled the Congress party's 'SC, ST Declaration' poster during the event. This declaration encompasses 12 promises the party intends to fulfill in the forthcoming Telangana Assembly elections. "When Congress assumes power in Telangana, we will implement the 12-point SC/ST declaration," affirmed the AICC President.

The 'SC, ST Declaration' pledges an increase in SC reservations to 18 percent and ST reservations to 12 percent. Additionally, it promises financial aid of Rs 12 lakh to SC and ST families in the state. The declaration advocates special reservations for SCs and STs in government procurement, private educational institutions, and private companies availing government incentives. This declaration aims to counter the ruling BRS party's 'Dalit Bandhu' scheme, which offers Rs 10 lakh grants to Dalit families for business ventures.

With Telangana's Legislative Assembly elections a few months away, the Congress seems to be making strategic moves. In contrast, Chief Minister KCR has already declared 115 candidates for his BRS party out of the total 119 assembly seats. The Election Commission is yet to announce the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress party in Telangana had previously released declarations focusing on farmers and youth as well.

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