· Shabbir praises the cadre for enrolling 44,300 members in Kamareddy
· Congress accuses TRS, BJP Govt of neglecting Bidi workers
Kamareddy, November 16: Former Minister & ex-Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Wednesday claimed that Telangana would witness a wave of Congress party in the next Assembly elections in 2023.
He was speaking at the Kamareddy Constituency Congress membership and insurance cards distribution program at the Classic Golden Function Hall in Kamareddy on Wednesday.
A 40-minute film was also screened on the occasion on the services rendered by Shabbir Ali Foundation and Congress cadre during the first and second lockdowns due to the Covid pandemic. Covid Warrior Awards were also given to those who made a significant contribution in serving the people during the pandemic.
The ID Cards for 44,300 Congress members were distributed on the occasion. An insurance cheque of Rs 2 lakh was also handed over to the family of Geriganti Rajaiah, a Congress
worker from Elpugonda village of Machareddy Mandal, who died after falling into a pond while going fishing.
Speaking on the occasion, Shabbir Ali said that the enrollment of 44,300 members in the Kamareddy constituency was achieved due to the collective efforts of all activists and leaders. He said that the Congress party would extend all support to those who have taken the membership. He said all members would get proper recognition at the party and they must work with total dedication and commitment.
He praised the role played by Congress workers during the Covid pandemic by helping the affected people and those trapped in the lockdown. He said Congress members risked their lives while helping the poor people. He said that the Shabbir Foundation has supplied food, medicines and other essential items during the lockdown to various sections including the migrant labourers. During the second wave of Covid, he said oxygen cylinders were supplied to the needy patients in Kamareddy and surrounding areas. He informed that the Shabbir Ali Foundation provided oxygen cylinders to 320 needy patients during the second lockdown.
Shabbir Ali strongly condemned the BJP Govt at the Centre for its policy against Beedi workers. He said nearly 6 lakh families would lose their livelihood if the Bill introduced by Modi Govt is implemented. He said that the Congress party would support the agitation by Beedi workers against the new Bill.
He said that the BJP Govt was targeting the poor Beedi workers in the name of discouraging tobacco. He asked why BJP and TRS Govts were not discouraging the consumption of cigarettes and liquor.
Shabbir Ali informed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, had interacted with the Beedi workers to understand their problems. He promised that if Congress comes to power, it would lift the GST levied on Beedis within 20-25 days. The next Congress Govt would also assure a better future for the children of Beedi workers. He said Beedi workers must launch a massive agitation against the BJP and TRS Govt if they wish to protect their only source of livelihood. Once the Beedi industry is closed, there will not be any pension for Beedi workers, he said. He urged Congress workers to work hard and bring the Congress party to power in the next elections.
Earlier in the day, Shabbir Ali visited the Govt Area Hospital, Kamareddy to meet the students of Bhavanipet Govt High School, Machareddy Mandal who were affected with food poisoning after eating hostel food. This is the second time in the recent past when students of government hostel fell sick after eating sub-standard food. He demanded that the children be supplied safe and hygienic food in the hostels.
