Revanth Reddy Urges Arya Vaishya Community to Claim Its Political Share

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has urged the Arya Vaishya community to stay united and claim its rightful share in politics, arguing that collective strength is what earns both respect and representation.

Speaking at an Arya Vaishya community meeting on Sunday, he described the community as one known for its gentle demeanour, self-respect and far-sightedness. Many of its members, he noted, are economically weak yet choose to live with dignity rather than be identified as a backward or poor community.

The Chief Minister recalled the contribution of former Chief Minister Konijeti Rosaiah, especially his tenure as Finance Minister when Telangana was formed. He said the new State was born on June 2, 2014, with a surplus budget of ₹16,000 crore, crediting Mr. Rosaiah's stewardship for that position and noting that the Congress had given him opportunities and recognition.

Recalling his own association with the late leader, Mr. Reddy said Mr. Rosaiah had advised him to rein in his emotions and draw on experience to grow in politics at a time when he was known for aggressive speeches in the Legislative Council. "Rosaiah was the first to recognise me," he said.

The government, he added, had installed a statue of Mr. Rosaiah in the heart of Hyderabad to preserve his honour and acknowledge his bond with the city.

Turning to the community's role in the freedom movement and public life, the Chief Minister called Mahatma Gandhi the only truly global leader from India, whose stature is recognised worldwide. He also remembered the sacrifice of Potti Sriramulu, whose fast and struggle contributed to the formation of Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Reddy promised government assistance for building the Arya Vaishya Atma Gaurava Bhavan. He pointed out that his government had already given a corporation post to an Arya Vaishya representative and allotted the chairperson's post in a municipality in Kodangal to a member of the community.