Congress launches 'Samskretika Sena' to take on TRS Govt

Hyderabad: The Congress party on Friday launched 'Samskretika Sena' (Cultural Army) to spread party's message among the people besides exposing the failures of TRS Government across the Telangana State.

"The cultural wing will be an important wing of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC). Like other frontal organisations, it will have a regular body and district units. This is an attempt to bring all artists on one platform and effectively utilise their services in conveying party's message to the people," TPCC President Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said after launching the 'Samskretika Sena' at Sundaraiyya Vignana Kendram on Friday evening.

'Samskretika Sena' is headed by famous folk singer Yepuri Somanna.

"Folk music and songs have played a major role during statehood movement. Artists have effectively used their talent to expose the injustices done to Telangana and the need for a separate State. After the formation of Telangana, artists and their folk music and songs have lost their relevance due to the negligence of TRS Government. Now Congress party is trying to provide the artists a platform through which they can openly express their views on the real conditions of people," Uttam Kumar Reddy said.

He also alleged that the TRS Government did nothing for the welfare of artists who actively participated in Telangana movement. He said the artists, poets and literary personalities of Telangana were even neglected in the recently held World Telugu Conference.

The TPCC chief said that except for Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and his family, no one benefitted from the new State. The entire dream of Telangana was limited to four members of a family and all sections of the society remained ignored. There is a lot of anger and disappointment among jobless youth, students, farmers and other sections. 'Samskretika Sena' will serve as a medium to express the feelings of deprived and suppressed sections to the entire society. He hoped that the addition of 'Samskretika Sena' in the TPCC would help the party win 2019 elections.

He also announced that "Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana Janani Jayakethanam" will be State's official song and poet Andhesri will be honoured in a big manner.

AICC Telangana Incharge Secretary R.C. Khuntia, CLP leader K. Jana Reddy, Leader of Opposition in Council Shabbir Ali, TPCC Chief Spokesperson Dr. Dasoju Sravan, Treasurer Gudur Narayana Reddy, Youth Congress president Anil Kumar Yadav, Teenmar Mallanna and other senior leaders were present in the function.

A CD of 10 songs on Congress party and the failures of TRS Government was also released on the occasion. The artists also gave a scintillating performance on various songs and skits.

"Only Congress can ensure social justice"

Senior leaders including former Jana Shakti leader Gundeti Rajaram, Aveni Damodar and Srinivas Goud, along with hundreds of supporters joined the Congress party at a grand function held at Prakasam Hall in Gandhi Bhavan on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Kumar Reddy said that leaders and activists from different sections of the society were joining the Congress party. Stating that only Congress could guarantee social justice, he alleged that KCR Government has not provided justice to many sections. KCR's cabinet clearly shows that TRS Government has no space for 'Mala, Madiga or Mahila'. He said Dalits and Girijans faced humilition and injustice and KCR's arrogance touched its peak when he even insulted former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar when she visited the Dalits of Nerella who were brutally tortured by police.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said people have realised that only Congress can provide social justice and therefore, they are strengthening it in every way possible. He also highlighted the injustices done to the farming community and promised that the Congress party, after coming to power in 2019, will revive the entire sector. He said that the entry of Rajaram, Damodar and Srinivas would strengthen the party, especially in North Telangana.

RC Khuntia, in his speech, said that the TRS Government only provided more powers and benefits to police department so that it could be used to harass political opponents and common people. He said that the days of KCR Government were numbered and the Congress party would return to power in 2019.

Senior leaders including Dr. Dasoju Sravan, ex-Chief Whip Gandra Venkatarama Reddy, ex-MP Ravindra Naik and other leaders were also present.