Hyderabad: Telangana Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday called for reviving and strengthening communist ideology in the state. He said the Left’s ideological presence remains essential for protecting workers and the landless.
Speaking at a condolence meeting in Kodad for veteran CPI leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, Uttam said Telangana’s democracy would be incomplete without strong Left voices. “Communists are the voice of the voiceless. Telangana still needs that strength,” he said.
He welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on parts of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. However, he said partial relief does not amount to justice. “De-recognising waqf by usage and mandating waqf deeds violate both constitutional and religious rights,” he noted.
Paying tribute to Sudhakar Reddy, who died recently, Uttam said the CPI leader devoted his life to social justice. Born in 1942, Reddy began his activism as a teenager. He represented Nalgonda twice in the Lok Sabha and served as CPI General Secretary from 2012 to 2019. He also chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour.
“Sudhakar Reddy never sought power. He stood by his principles. His life proves that ideology can be lived with honesty,” Uttam added.
He recalled the role of communists in the Telangana Rebellion (1946–51). The movement ended feudal oppression and laid the groundwork for land reforms. He also highlighted the Left’s contributions to education, healthcare, and labour rights in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Although communist representation has declined, Uttam said the movement must not be dismissed. He urged unity, youth participation, and grassroots activism to rebuild the Left in Telangana.
Concluding his speech, Uttam said, “This is not just history it’s a future we must reclaim.” He ended with a salute: “Lal Salaam.”
