She advised party workers to avoid pomp and show during the party programmes, as such displays do not resonate with the public. "People will support you if you are among them, listening to their grievances," she emphasised.
Published Mar 01, 2025 | 9:34 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2025 | 10:32 AM
Meenakshi Nataraj with TPCC Mahesh Kumar. (X)
Synopsis: Meenakshi Natarajan, All India Congress Committee general secretary in charge for Telangana, made a strong impact during her visit to Hyderabad by emphasising simplicity and connecting with party workers. She urged avoiding ostentation, staying close to the people, and publicizing government initiatives. Meenakshi stressed loyalty, hard work, and unity while warning against “parachute leaders” and highlighting the importance of maintaining public support.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge for Telangana Meenakshi Natarajan made a significant impact on party cadres with her simplicity and aversion to ostentation during her maiden visit to Hyderabad after taking over her new assignment on Friday, 28 February.
Unlike many middle-rung party leaders who prefer flying between Hyderabad and Delhi, citing time constraints, Meenakshi, despite her busy schedule, chose to travel by train to stay closer to the people and party workers, which apparently aligns with her work ethos.
Soft-spoken, unassuming, and bespectacled, the frail-looking Congress leader surprised everyone with her energy while addressing the extended executive meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in the afternoon. Her stay at the Dilkusha Guest House, far from luxurious, further highlighted her modest approach.
Addressing party leaders at Gandhi Bhfavan, Meenakshi was categorical in her instructions. “No Congress worker should carry my baggage. Do not compromise your dignity at any cost. If I ever become too weak in the future, I might seek your help, but not now,” she said.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, PCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, several ministers, and other leaders.
She advised party workers to avoid pomp and show during the party programmes, as such displays do not resonate with the public. “People will support you if you are among them, listening to their grievances,” she emphasised.
Meenakshi Natarajan addressed the Telangana Congress gathering in chaste Hindi, a rarity in Hyderabad where Hindi is often blended with Urdu. Her sentences were brief yet impactful, filled with clear instructions on how party workers should conduct themselves among the people. “You must always be among the people. Publicise the government’s programmes. You toiled hard to bring Congress to power in the state. Maintain the momentum of the party’s progress,” she urged.
Considered an influential member of Rahul Gandhi’s team, Meenakshi recalled the Bharat Jodo Yatra and how it rallied public opinion to protect the Indian Constitution. She called on party workers to relentlessly fight against the BJP and BRS. “Fighting spirit is in our blood. That is why we came to power in Telangana. Rahul Gandhi, through his Bharat Jodo Yatra, has shown us the path forward,” she said.
She reminded the workers that since Congress is now in power in the state, it is their responsibility to ensure smiles on the faces of the poor. “Their smiles are proof that we are working,” she added.
Meenakshi praised the state government for conducting a caste survey, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. She advised the PCC to create programmes to publicize the government’s initiatives among the people. She also encouraged party workers to stay connected with the public, saying: “Be among the people. That is the only way to earn their support.”
The AICC leader made it clear that “parachute leaders” would not be given positions in the party. She stressed that loyalty, hard work, and dedication would be rewarded. She also addressed the lack of coordination between the party and the government, emphasizing that unity is essential to enhance the party’s image.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
