Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy’s remarks doubting Congress win stun students, spark debate

Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy’s candid admission that Congress may not win the next elections stunned students at a Hyderabad polytechnic college and set off a political debate. His remarks, made during an interaction over the merger of institutions with the Shakti department, quickly went viral.

Hyderabad: Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy’s remarks expressing doubts over the Congress winning the next elections have left polytechnic students and politicians alike stunned and triggered a political debate.

The Minister interacted with the students and staff at the Government Polytechnic College at Masab Tank on Friday. Students and staff of the college were agitating against the GO Ms No. 97 which ordered the merger of polytechnic institutions with the Shakti department. They have also been raising other issues concerning the colleges.

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During his conversation, the Minister tried to assure them that the State government would protect their interests. Vivek also said the State government had established a Skills University to help students upgrade their skills and improve their employment opportunities.

In this context, the students sought an assurance from the Minister that investors would not back out of the university.

Vivek, who was visibly taken aback by the demand, replied, “I might lose elections next time and our government might lose power. What benefit will you derive from my guarantee?”

The Minister’s response left the students and staff at the venue baffled and his videos are being shared on different social media platforms.

However, he later attempted to allay their apprehensions over the merger with the Shakti department. The merger would enable the department to provide Rs. 600 crore for upgrading polytechnic colleges, he maintained.

“There will be no difference except for the change of department from technical education to Shakti,” Vivek assured.