Minister Vivek Venkatswamy Remarks on Congress Election Chances Spark Debate at Masab Tank

Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy surprised students and staff at the Government Polytechnic College in Masab Tank on Friday after remarking that he and the Congress government might lose power in the next elections, sparking a political debate across the state.

The interaction took place amid ongoing protests by students and faculty against Government Order (GO) Ms No. 97, which mandates the merger of polytechnic institutions with the Shakti department. Agitators have also raised several other operational concerns regarding the state's polytechnic colleges.

During the discussion, the Minister sought to assure the gathering that the Telangana government would safeguard their interests. He highlighted the establishment of the Skills University, aimed at helping students upgrade their skills and expand their employment prospects.

In response to his statements, students asked for a concrete guarantee from the Minister that investors would not withdraw support from the Skills University project.

Visibly taken aback by the request, Vivek replied that he might lose the next election and the government might lose power, asking what benefit the students would derive from his guarantee. The remark left students and staff at the venue baffled, and video recordings of the exchange quickly circulated on social media platforms.

Following the exchange, the Minister attempted to address concerns regarding the restructuring under the Shakti department. He explained that the merger would facilitate the allocation of Rs. 600 crore to upgrade polytechnic colleges across the state.

Vivek assured the students that the transition would not alter institutional operations aside from shifting administrative oversight from the technical education department to the Shakti department.