Graduate MLC Polls an Opportunity to Challenge Congress: TRS Kavitha

Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS) president Kalvakuntla Kavitha has appealed to graduates to elect the party's candidates in the upcoming Graduate MLC elections, describing the polls as an opportunity to hold the ruling Congress and the inactive opposition accountable. She made the appeal while addressing the media at the party office in Banjara Hills alongside the party's candidates, Dr Nalamasa Srikanth Goud and Akash Kolluri.

Criticising the Congress government, Kavitha alleged that it had failed to honour its promises to the people and had lost its political credibility. Comparing the situation to a blown fuse that needs replacement, she urged farmers and graduates to support TRS candidates and send a strong message to the ruling party.

She sought votes for Akash Kolluri in the Hyderabad-Rangareddy-Mahabubnagar constituency and Dr Srikanth Goud in the Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal constituency. Describing both as educated young leaders, she highlighted their association with Osmania and Kakatiya universities. She said the candidates lacked political and financial backing but were driven by a commitment to public service. Their selection, she added, reflected the party's commitment to social justice, with both candidates belonging to Backward Classes. She particularly noted that Kolluri represented the Kummari community, which had received limited political representation.

Kavitha also called on graduates to reject money-driven politics and disprove the perception that educated voters could be influenced by cash. Referring to the Chief Minister's alleged remarks about spending Rs. 200 crore to secure electoral victories, she warned that voting in exchange for money would only encourage corruption. With nearly 80 lakh degree holders in Telangana, she urged voters to make informed choices.

Pointing out that only three of the Legislative Council's 40 members are elected through graduate constituencies, she stressed the importance of choosing representatives who would raise public concerns. She alleged that the Council lacked an effective opposition and accused BRS and BJP members of failing to challenge the government adequately.

She said the party would continue fighting for pending fee reimbursement, river water rights and unfulfilled government promises. The two constituencies cover nearly 75 Assembly segments, making the elections politically significant. Kavitha also promised 33 to 50 per cent representation for women in party nominations, irrespective of statutory reservations, while defending the decision to prioritise BC representation in Hyderabad.