Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said the Congress party’s ideology, rooted in democracy and inclusive development, continues to guide the nation, and called upon party workers to take its values to the grassroots.The Minister unfurled the Congress flag at Rajiv Gandhi Chowrasta in Valigonda mandal headquarters on Sunday as part of the 140th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian National Congress.

Addressing party leaders and workers, the Minister said the Congress was a party built on sacrifice, freedom struggle and nation-building, recalling the contributions of leaders who led India to independence and laid a strong foundation for democratic governance. He said the party has always remained committed to public welfare and social justice.The Minister asserted that the Congress government in Telangana is continuing governance in line with the aspirations of the people, keeping welfare at the centre of its policies. He said the party would continue to work in the spirit of the ideals upheld by leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition, the Minister said that regional parties lacking ideological strength tend to disintegrate over time, and remarked that there was no need to attach importance to statements made by BRS leaders. 

He criticised former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for failing to address public issues and for not attending the Assembly despite drawing a salary as Leader of the Opposition.

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy challenged the former KCR to explain the Kaleshwaram project accounts first before seeking accountability from the Congress government. “We are prepared to present our accounts transparently, but those who ruled earlier must answer the people,” he said.

The Minister also warned against any attempt to rename or dilute the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), stating that it was a constitutionally backed programme. He announced that the Congress would launch an agitation from January 5 if the name change proposal was pursued.

The programme was attended by senior party leaders, local representatives, workers and supporters, who participated in the Foundation Day celebrations in large numbers.