Azharuddin hits out at KCR for skipping Assembly, lists welfare push
Telangana Minister Mohammed Azharuddin defended the government's minority welfare record and targeted BRS chief KCR over his long absence from the Assembly.
Hyderabad: Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin on Saturday mounted a defence of the Congress government's welfare agenda, particularly for minority communities, while launching a sharp attack on BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao over his prolonged absence from the Telangana Assembly.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Azharuddin asserted that minority welfare remains a top priority for the state government. "We want our communities to move forward with the help of education, opportunities and effective implementation of welfare programmes," he said.
The Minister also cited the recent Madina bus tragedy, which claimed several lives, to highlight the government's responsiveness. He noted that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy acted swiftly, sanctioning ex gratia payments to the families of the victims. "The immediate response of the Chief Minister reflects the sensitivity of the Congress government towards people facing difficult situations," Mr. Azharuddin said.
He further credited the Chief Minister with working on a "clear vision" for the state, adding that the government is committed to development that reaches every section of society.
Turning his fire on the Opposition, Mr. Azharuddin questioned why Mr. Rao, who leads the BRS in the House, has been absent for nearly 1,000 days. "If he is unable to attend the House and discharge his responsibilities as Leader of Opposition, he should step down from the post," the Minister said.
He pointed out that Mr. Rao regularly attended Assembly sessions during his tenure as Chief Minister. "Today, when people need their representatives to speak for them, the Opposition must be present in the House," he added.