Revanth Reddy says no land available for tribals

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the Telangana government has no land available for distribution to tribals, despite earlier promises. Speaking at Sevalal Maharaj Jayanthi celebrations, he urged ST youth to focus on education and dismissed claims of welfare neglect

Hyderabad: After failing to fulfil the promises made under the Chevella SC ST Declaration, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said though the government would like to allocate land to tribals, there was no land available.

“From now on, do not think about government land allocation or any other welfare measures,” Revanth Reddy said at the Sevalal Maharaj Jayanthi celebrations here on Sunday. His remarks are in sharp contrast to the Congress party’s promises made to SCs and STs during the Assembly elections in 2023.

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Under its manifesto, the Congress party had promised to implement Ambedkar Abhaya Hastham, a scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs 12 lakh per family to SCs and STs. Besides this, it had also assured 18 percent reservation for SCs and 12 percent reservation for STs in government procurement and public works contracts.

The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had introduced the Agriculture Ceiling Act and offered ST reservations. In the past, there was land available with the government, but now there was no land for distribution, he said, stating that the then Congress government had adopted a policy of welfare and development and that era had passed. However, this government could offer education to the poor and downtrodden, he said.

Appealing to ST youth to focus on education, the Chief Minister said: “Give up the idea of sitting idle at home and seeking land from the government or assistance to launch petty businesses. Do not think about land allocation or temporary welfare measures.”

After his comments, including that he was the ‘Chief Minister and the Minister’ (Nene Raju Nene Mantri), went viral and triggered discussions within the Congress party, Revanth Reddy said his statements were misinterpreted.

“When I said I am the Chief Minister and Minister, the municipal election results are a reflection of my two years’ performance,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that he had taken responsibility for the municipal election results.