Kharge’s speech – delivered mainly in Hindi with occasional English – drew a subdued response from the audience. Engagement remained low for much of the address, with applause rising sporadically when the camera highlighted popular local leaders on stage or when Kharge mentioned well-known state figures.
Published Jul 04, 2025 | 11:17 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 04, 2025 | 11:17 PM
Mallikarjun Kharge at LB Stadium
Synopsis: AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy set off the party’s campaign for the upcoming local body elections with calls for unity, action, and grassroots mobilisation on Friday. Kharge credited Congress’s resurgence in the State to its cadre’s dedication, while Revanth struck a confident tone, vowing sweeping victories and pledging to empower party workers.
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, 4 July, attributed the Congress’s victory in Telangana to the energy and commitment of its grassroots workers.
Addressing party workers in Hyderabad alongside Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and state ministers, Kharge recalled sensing the party’s resurgence during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. “I saw your enthusiasm then – I was confident Congress would come to power in Telangana,” he said.
Having arrived in the city on Thursday to engage with the party’s cadre ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Kharge’s visit began with the unveiling of a statue of former Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Lakdi-ka-Pul X Roads.
This was followed by a series of meetings at Gandhi Bhavan and culminated in the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan rally at LB Stadium.
Hoarding inviting the AICC president
The approach to the stadium was lined with large flex banners – a striking display of party leaders, each jostling for prominence as Kharge’s convoy passed through.
The event comes at a crucial juncture for the state Congress, with Kharge crediting its recent electoral success to the efforts of its grassroots workers.
Kharge’s speech – delivered mainly in Hindi with occasional English – drew a subdued response from the audience.
Engagement remained low for much of the address, with applause rising sporadically when the camera highlighted popular local leaders on stage or when Kharge mentioned well-known state figures.
Despite this, Kharge continued, highlighting key achievements of the Congress government in its 18 months in office. “The poor are eating well. Their stomachs are full – this is an achievement,” he said, pointing to welfare schemes like Rythu Bharosa as evidence of the government’s priorities.
He also praised Telangana’s caste survey as a progressive step, describing it as a model for other states to emulate. Reiterating the party’s commitment to social justice, Kharge said the Congress would “continue to fight for BC reservations.”
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kharge questioned the Centre’s attention to regional issues. Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, he added, “Congress stands with the nation” during such times of crisis.
His remarks blended praise for the state leadership with an appeal to strengthen the party’s organisational base in Telangana.
If Kharge’s address was measured, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s speech was anything but. His remarks were met with repeated cheers, applause, and slogans from an energised crowd.
Crowd at LB Stadium
“They said Congress could never stand together,” Revanth began, pausing as the crowd erupted. “Today, not only have we stood together – we’ve become a model for the entire nation in just 18 months.”
Declaring Telangana a “state of farmers,” he added, “In how we treat our farmers, we’ve become an inspiration to the country.”
With a tone mixing assurance and grassroots connection, Revanth called on party workers to gear up for the upcoming elections.
“Pick up your flags and contest in the elections. It’s my responsibility to make you win,” he said, expressing confidence in sweeping all 50 local bodies.
He also touched on the upcoming delimitation exercise, hinting at a likely increase in MLA and MP seats. “Serve the people well, and you will get your chance,” he told the cadre.
Concluding with a pledge to the AICC President, Revanth said, “I promise you – Congress will win 15 Parliament seats and 100 Assembly seats in the next elections.” The crowd responded with loud cheers.
