In a rare political move, the ruling Congress party in Telangana is set to launch a Padayatra (walkathon) from July 31 to August 6, 2025, across six erstwhile districts, aiming to reconnect with grassroots voters ahead of anticipated local body elections. Traditionally, opposition parties undertake such initiatives to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments or unfulfilled promises by the ruling government. However, under the directive of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), led by in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, and with Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President B. Mahesh Kumar Goud at the helm, the Congress is taking a proactive approach. This initiative, combined with Shramadaanam (community service) programs, will see participation from ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and district leaders as the yatra passes through their constituencies.

The move comes amid concerns over rural voter dissatisfaction due to unmet election promises, with intelligence reports indicating a mixed mood that could impact the party’s performance in the upcoming polls. The Congress high-command, sensing a potential challenge from rival parties like BRS and BJP, aims to pacify voters and secure a landslide victory to avoid ammunition for opposition criticism over the next three years of its tenure.

The announcement signals a strategic effort to bolster the party’s image, especially as local election preparations intensify. Sources reveal that elected representatives, including ministers and legislators, harbor doubts about an outright win, given public discontent over delayed promises—a key plank for opposition parties to corner the government. The yatra is seen as a public connect initiative to address these concerns, with the leadership directing TPCC to organize the first phase across Rangareddy, Medak, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal districts. This unprecedented step by a ruling party underscores its intent to maintain voter confidence and counter narratives that could lead to calls for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet to resign if the performance falters.

Details of Yatra

Following AICC directives, TPCC has meticulously planned the Padayatra and Shramadaanam programs, starting July 31. Each day, the yatra will cover a key constituency, beginning with a 10-kilometer walk from 5 PM, followed by a night halt in the same area to engage with local Congress workers. The next morning, participants will rise early to conduct large-scale community service activities. Post-Shramadaanam, a breakfast session will precede a 10:00 AM meeting at a function hall or community center, where district-level delegates—including MPs, MLAs, contested candidates, mandal and block presidents, DCC office bearers, and frontal organization leaders—will convene to strategize. The day will conclude with the team moving to the next constituency by 5 PM to repeat the process, ensuring a comprehensive outreach.

Yatra Schedule

The six-day schedule kicks off on July 31 in Rangareddy District’s Parigi AC (Assembly Constituency) with a Padayatra at 5 PM, followed by a night halt, and on August 1, a Shramadaanam and workers’ meeting from 11 AM to 3 PM. Subsequent days include Medak’s Andhol (SC) AC on August 1-2, Nizamabad’s Armur AC on August 2-3, Adilabad’s Khanapur (ST) AC on August 3-4, Karimnagar’s Choppadandi (SC) AC on August 4-5, and Warangal’s Wardhannapet (SC) AC on August 5-6, each following the same pattern. Coordinators M.S. Raj Thakur, Shankar Naik, Dr. Kethoori Venkatesh, Juluru Dhanalaxmi, and Dr. Puli Anil Kumar will oversee the initiative, marking a significant effort to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.