Congress Will Uphold Secularism And Justice Despite All Odds: Uttam Kumar Reddy
Hyderabad, October 19: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday reiterated the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to secularism, social justice, and inclusive governance at the 35th Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra Smarakotsavam held at Charminar, Hyderabad.
The commemorative event, which marks the beginning of the historic Sadbhavana Yatra initiated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1990, was attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud, former PCC chief V. Hanumantha Rao, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Planning Commission Vice-Chairman G Chinna Reddy, Government Advisors H Venugopal Rao and Mohammed Ali Shabbir, MLA Madan Mohan, MLC Balamuri Venkat, and other Congress leaders.
Presiding over the programme, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family have consistently stood for secularism and national unity. “The Sadbhavana Yatra was born out of Rajiv Gandhi’s conviction that India must reject communal hatred. The Congress party continues to uphold that vision today,” he said. He noted that both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had chosen Hyderabad – a city often tested by communal tensions – to launch messages of peace and togetherness.
He praised senior Congress leader T. Niranjan, now Chairman of the BC Commission, for his commitment in organising the yatra commemorations for the past 35 years. “During the BRS government’s decade-long rule, the police repeatedly denied permission for this programme, citing reasons like traffic disruption. But Niranjan and his team did not give up. They organised dharnas, sought legal routes, and ensured that the flag-hoisting ceremony continued each year,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said. He called Niranjan’s elevation to a constitutional post a “commendable recognition of decades of dedication to the party and to secular ideals”.
Speaking about this year’s Sadbhavana Award, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress party was proud to honour senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid. He described Khurshid as a close associate and a respected voice within the party. “His grandfather, Dr Zakir Husain, served as India’s third President. His father, Khurshid Alam Khan, was a Lok Sabha MP and External Affairs Minister, and later served as Governor of three states. Salman Khurshid carries forward this legacy with distinction,” he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised that both father and son — Khurshid Alam Khan and Salman Khurshid — had served as External Affairs Ministers, a rare achievement in Indian politics. Khurshid, he noted, had begun his political journey as Officer on Special Duty to Indira Gandhi, and went on to serve in key portfolios including Law, Minority Affairs, and Commerce. “It is only fitting that the Sadbhavana Committee has selected such a leader — one whose life exemplifies the values of peace, unity, and service,” Reddy said.
He recalled that the Sadbhavana Award was earlier presented in 2018 to former Chief Minister Konijeti Rosaiah, another towering Congress figure. “The tradition of recognising leaders who embody harmony and integrity strengthens the relevance of this commemoration,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the Congress-led government’s landmark decision to introduce 42% reservations for Backward Classes across Telangana. “This is perhaps the first time in independent India that a government has undertaken such a scientifically grounded initiative. A massive household survey was conducted to ensure data-driven policy,” he said.
He pointed out that the reservation law applies not only to local bodies, but also to education and employment sectors, giving true meaning to social justice. However, he criticised the Governor for withholding the Bill passed unanimously by the Telangana Assembly. “Despite legal and legislative clarity, the Governor has not forwarded the Bill to the Centre. This delay is unjustified,” he said, urging the public to remain alert and question those obstructing implementation.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also issued a sharp critique of the BJP-led Central Government, accusing it of trying to divide India along religious lines. “The Congress party will continue to resist these divisive forces. Secularism is not optional — it is essential for India’s unity and progress,” he declared.
Paying tribute to Indira Gandhi’s 1984 visit to Hyderabad amid communal unrest, and Rajiv Gandhi’s Sadbhavana Yatra in 1990, Uttam Kumar Reddy said both leaders braved difficult conditions to promote peace. “Indira Gandhi came despite security threats; Rajiv Gandhi walked among victims of riots in Hyderabad and personally consoled them. Their visits, both in October, make this month symbolically powerful for national unity,” he said.
He recalled the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on 21 May 1991 during the Sadbhavana Yatra, and said the annual commemoration on October 19 serves to keep his ideals alive. “Every year, we raise the Congress flag at the Sadbhavana memorial near Charminar and honour leaders who embody Rajiv Gandhi’s values. This legacy is not about nostalgia – it is a call to action for future generations,” he said.
He stated that the Congress party would continue to walk the path of secularism, social justice, and inclusive growth laid down by Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. “We appeal to the people of Telangana and across India — stay united, reject hatred, and uphold the values that truly define this nation,” he said. (Maxim News)
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