Published Aug 15, 2026 | 5:38 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 15, 2026 | 5:38 PM
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy
Synopsis: ” ‘Dekhe toh seekh jaate’ (If they see, they learn easily); ‘Padhe toh bhool jaate’ (But if they study, they forget), ‘aap logon ka aadat hein’ (This is your habit). Whatever we give them, even if it is a Rafale jet, they can open it up and fix it back. I have that confidence in them,” Revanth Reddy said.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, speaking at the Minorities Excellence Summit at Adivasi Bhavan in Banjara Hills on Thursday, August 13, said children from minority communities were “skilled labourers” who can reassemble a Rafale fighter if they are asked to, but forget lessons from books.
” ‘Dekhe toh seekh jaate’ (If they see, they learn easily); ‘Padhe toh bhool jaate’ (But if they study, they forget), ‘aap logon ka aadat hein’ (This is your habit) Whatever we give them, even if it is a Rafale jet, they can open it up and fix it back. I have that confidence in them,” Revanth Reddy said.
The remarks received widespread criticism from political leaders, journalists, activists and citizens, who alleged the statements reinforce problematic stereotypes about minority communities.
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Further emphasising the need to learn skills, the chief minister added, “That’s why, in my point of view, nursery to 12th is education. 12th onwards – Skill. Upskill, reskill. Today, no certificate has more recognition across the world than skill. Nobody gives jobs today by looking at a certificate. They only give jobs based on your skill.”
“All these days we were going to Middle East and USA for work. But today Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan are waiting for us. Lakhs of jobs are waiting for you. If kids learn skills, they could easily earn upwards of ₹2 lakhs per year. If you want your family to go out with their heads up with pride, you have to learn skills,” he said, adding, “that’s why we started Skills University. We have converted ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres in and around Nampally and Mallepally. We brought the polytechnic colleges under Skills University.”
He further added, “So all I want to say to the brothers and sisters here is, forget that only engineering certificate can get you a job or only a Doctor certificate can get you a job. Yes, engineering and doctor certificates may get you jobs or they may not. But if you have skills, you will be able to earn ₹2 Lakh per month easily. ‘Kaam wala ban jao, kaam seekho, woh ek hi apna kismat badal ne wala hein’ (Become a skilled worker, learn skills, only that will change your destiny.) ”
Referring to the people from minority communities in the audience who scored top ranks in NEET, IITJEE and other competitive exams, the chief minister said, “Looking at you my heart is full. We have worked so hard. But looking at you people, it feels like my hard work has paid off.”
Revanth Reddy further listed his government’s outreach to minorities like appointing a minority member to the Telangana Public Service Commission, fighting TSPSC recruitment cases up to the Supreme Court, inducting Mohammed Azharuddin as a minister, securing boxer Nikhat Zareen a Group 1 job with a ₹3 crore cash award, and creating a DSP post for Mohammed Sirajuddin through amended rules.
“We gave a DSP job to cricketer Mohammed Siraj by altering many rules. I want to ask, has anyone in this country done that? We did it. We will recognise people who bring glory to the country and our state, and our government is ready to reward their talent.”
Speaking of the breakfast and midday meal scheme, the chief minister says, “Today for kids from poor families who have it difficult to get breakfast at home in the morning, because their parents have to go to work. If they don’t eat breakfast, how will they study? If they are hungry, how can they learn or understand what they are being taught? This is the reason we the government is providing breakfast and lunch to children. Earlier we did not have nursery and kindergarten in government schools but we started them this year.”
BRS working president and MLA K Taraka Rama Rao took to X, on Independence Day to condemn the chief minister’s statement. “It is unfortunate that even as we are celebrating 80 years of Independence, politics of prejudice have become an acceptable norm.”
He added, “To categorise an entire community as ‘skilled labourers’ is nothing but a racist mentality. To believe that education and learning belongs to a caste or a religion only displays your ignorance and feudalistic mindset Revanth Reddy.”
“The minorities of this great nation, fought alongside the rest of us as brothers in the Freedom Struggle, laid foundation to build this beautiful nation. Some of the brightest scholars, academics, scientists, innovators, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs are from the Minority community Stop this discriminatory mentality at least now. Stop bringing down the image of Telangana by spewing hate and prejudice. Learn to respect everyone,” he added.
It is unfortunate that even as we are celebrating 80 years of Independence, politics of prejudice have become an acceptable norm
To categorise an entire community as “skilled labourers” is nothing but a racist mentality.
To believe that education and learning belongs to a caste… https://t.co/dCvkIkxIjO
— KTR (@KTRBRS) August 15, 2026
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreshta Ladegaam)
