Winds of change favour Congress, feels Uttam Kumar Reddy

Hyderabad: The TPCC on Sunday claimed a perceptible change in the political atmosphere in the city, with state Congress chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy expressing confidence that the party will win not less than 50 divisions and bag the mayor post.

Mr Reddy spoke to DC after completing the party’s election campaign. When asked how could the TPCC expect the mayor’s seat if it wins a mere 50 divisions, without having any ex-officio members, he said, “Some things we cannot reveal in public now. We will get support from parties opposed to the TRS and MIM. At this stage, I don’t want to disclose the names of our supporters, you will know when things happen.”

“Hyderabad voters always desired a party that is stable, mature and democratic. This, other parties lack; only the Congress fits the bill. Congress is the real saviour and a truly secular party. Hyderabadis are not limited region or one religion; they want the Congress to come to power in the GHMC. I am quite confident that Congress workers, with the support of he people, will fulfil the people’s aspirations.”

When asked how could Congress leaders expect support, when they have lost successive elections after formation of Telangana, Mr Reddy said, “We all know Congress granted Telangana, but the pro-Telangana vote was split. This time there is a sea change in favour of the Congress.”

He said that the people have realised that the TRS has not kept even a single promise it made.

The people are fed up with the abusive language that has become the hallmark of TRS leaders and the deliberate targeting of some communities and particular sections of the society, he said. “People also know that the TRS only makes announcements without doing anything concrete. The TD will soon disappear from the political landscape of TS due to its focus on AP. The political graph of the BJP is falling rapidly due to non-performance of the Narendra Modi government. The communal colours of the Majlis have been thoroughly exposed in Bihar, Maharashtra and Bengaluru, now the field is open for the Congress,” Mr Reddy said.

Reacting to a question on how would be Congress be able to manage funds without being in power either in the state or at the Centre, he said, “GHMC doesn’t require funds from the state or the Centre. It has a Rs 6,300 crore Budget of its own. If we spend this money judiciously, we will be able to implement the promises we made in our manifesto.”

Mr Reddy said he saw a change in the attitude of the people of the Old City, based on the reception the Congress got from them.

“Muslims are now quite upset with the TRS and MIM for failing to bring the 12 per cent reservations as promised by the two parties. This time, the community will vote for the Congress en-mass,” he said.