KCR must review decision on supporting Kovind: Uttam

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Capt N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday asked Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to review his decision on supporting BJP candidate Ramnath Kovind in the Presidential elections.

Speaking after distributing 'Ramzan Ration Kits' among poor Muslims at Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the entire country would be in danger if a person with communal mindset gains control of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He said Ramnath Kovind has a history of speaking against Muslims, Christians and other minorities. He said election of Ramnath Kovind would only aggravate the communal atmosphere in the country and those nuturing hatred on minor issues would get emboldened in carrying out attacks on minorities.

Uttam Kumar Reddy asked KCR to understand the implications of his support to Ramnath Kovind's candidature. He said that the TRS, which calls itself a pro-minority party, should restrain itself from supporting Konvind who practices RSS ideology of hatred and divisive politics. He ridiculed KCR's claim that TRS was supporting Kovind's candidature in lieu of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help for 12% Muslim reservation in Telangana. He said Muslims of Telangana would lose existing 4% reservation if Ramnath Kovind gets elected with the support of TRS. He said UPA candidate former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was the best candidate for the post of President of India. He said KCR should not forget the role played by Meira Kumar in formation of Telangana.

The TPCC chief said that the Congress party, since independence, has remained committed for the welfare, security and development of minorities and it would continue this policy in future. He congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and hoped that the Eid would bring lot of joy and happiness for the entire country, especially Telangana.

Earlier, Uttam Kumar Reddy distributed 'Ration Kits' consisting of 5 KG Rice, 1 kg Sugar, 1 litre Milk, 1 kg Sevaiyyan and dry fruits. The 'Ration Kits' were distributed at Gandhi Bhavan and also at Khilwat Grounds in the Old City.

The programme was also attended by senior leaders including Leaders of Opposition K. Jana Reddy (Assembly) and Mohammed Ali Shabbir (Council), ex-Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy, ex-MP V. Hanumantha Rao, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Sashidhar Reddy, Danam Nagender, Gudur Narayan Reddy, Khaja Fakhruddin, Shaik Abdullah Sohail, Syed Nizamuddin, Mohammed Ghouse and other leaders.

According to sources, Uttam Kumar Reddy preferred distribution of 'Ration Kits' among poor Muslims than hosting an Iftar party. For the same reason, Congress party did not host any official Iftar party this year and distributed food among poor Muslims. Entire packing and distribution of Ration Kits was done under the supervision of GHCC Minorities Dept Chairman Shaik Abdullah Sohail.

Raj Babbar, Uttam participates in 'Run for India'

TPCC President Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, UP Congress president Raj Babbar and other senior leaders participated in the 'Run for India' organised by Telangana Youth Congress today to mark the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The Run was held in the categories of 2 KM, 5 KM and 10 KM and cash prizes of Rs. 2 lakh were given to the top three runners in all three categories.  Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former IAF pilot, himself participated in the Run along with other senior leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Babbar said that late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the iron lady who worked hard for strengthening the country in all fields.