Senior Congress leader and CWC member Meenakshi Natarajan, recently appointed as AICC in-charge for Telangana, has a long-standing connection with the state's people.
Senior Congress leader and CWC member Meenakshi Natarajan, recently appointed as AICC in-charge for Telangana, has a long-standing connection with the state's people. (Image: DC)
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and CWC member Meenakshi Natarajan, recently appointed as AICC in-charge for Telangana, has a long-standing connection with the state's people. Her 600 km Sarvodaya Sankalp Yatra, undertaken in March 2022 from the historic Bhoodan Pochampalli in Bhuvanagiri Yadadri to Sevagram, Maharashtra, highlighted her commitment to marginalised communities.
Her yatra concluded on April 18 in Sevagram, marking the anniversary of a pivotal moment in Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement in 1951, when a landlord voluntarily donated land to the poor. The journey focused on understanding the struggles of Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalised sections in both rural and urban areas while aiming to strengthen their connection with the Congress.
During her visit to Adilabad, Natarajan interacted with Adivasis in KB Colony, engaging with tribal communities to understand their challenges. She also participated in the Medaram Jatara alongside then Mulugu MLA Seethakka, taking part in traditional rituals and seeking blessings from Goddess Sammakka Saralamma.
She is widely regarded as a down-to-earth leader, accessible to all, and has gained the trust of party workers. Congress leaders in Adilabad believe her leadership will bring recognition to dedicated party workers and strengthen the organisation at the grassroots.
Natarajan has consistently emphasized land rights and tribal concerns, stating that inequality persists even after 75 years of Indian independence. Recently, at a Tribal Convention in Nagarjunsagar, she spoke about constitutional rights for tribals and the challenges they continue to face.
During her yatra, she interacted with students before entering Maharashtra, encouraging them to be creative and focused on education. She also raised concerns about land ownership, warning that land belonging to the poor is gradually shifting into the hands of corporate tycoons and government entities, widening the wealth gap.
She highlighted the impact of Telangana’s Dharani portal, criticising its adverse effects on common people and discussing these concerns with locals during her journey. She strongly believes in resolving land disputes within the Indian Constitution’s framework to prevent conflicts, stating that "earlier, Naxalites fought for land rights; now, the government must address these issues to avoid unrest."
Burugula Mallesh, Adilabad district president of Kisan Cell, who accompanied Natarajan for a week during the Sarvodaya Sankalp Yatra, praised her ability to remember party workers at all levels. "She connects with people, understands their issues, and values their suggestions," he said.
Mallesh expressed hope that under Natarajan’s leadership, committed Congress leaders and workers would gain due recognition. He suggested that her direct interaction with people across all districts would help strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story