28 June,2025 06:50 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondent
BRS corporators protested at the GHMC office on Saturday, condemning the Congress government`s decision to rename Annapurna canteens as `Indiramma Canteens`, a move sparking controversy across Telangana.File Pic.
Corporators from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party staged a protest at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) office on Saturday. They condemned the Congress government's decision to rename the popular Annapurna canteens as Indiramma Canteens, a move which has ignited controversy across Telangana, according to news agency ANI.
Led by the BRS party, the protestors demanded that the GHMC revert to the original name, citing its cultural and symbolic significance. They further claimed that the decision to rename the canteen lacked any valid reason, as no improvements or additions had been made to its services.
The corporators additionally alleged that, despite their demonstration being peaceful, the police were rude and restrictive in handling the protest.
Speaking to ANI, corporator Sindhu Reddy stated, "We are protesting here at the GHMC office because they have changed the name of the Annapurna canteen. They did not add any extra curries or counters, but changed its name to Indiramma Canteen. We demand that they change the name back to Annapurna because it means Goddess of food, which is why KCR put this name... The police are very rude and are not allowing us to do the protest, while we came here for a peaceful demonstration..."
Furthermore, corporator Kavitha told ANI, "The BRS government named this canteen Annapurna and it should not be changed... Indira Canteen is not the right word... We are demanding that the decision be taken back."
The Annapurna Canteen Scheme, launched by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, famously provided hot, hygienic, and nutritious meals for just Rs 5 to the poor, daily wage workers, and labourers in urban regions of Telangana, reported ANI.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson NV Subhash criticised the move, labelling it a "publicity stunt" aimed at impressing the Gandhi family. He further demanded that the state government roll back the decision and suggested it was a "return gift" to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
"The BJP demands that the Congress government in Telangana roll back the names from Indira Canteens to Annapurna Canteens. What is the reason for the Congress government to rename the canteen, which is being run with funds from the state and GHMC, where people are fed for only Rs 5? Is it a return gift to Indira Gandhi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency... This is nothing but a publicity stunt where the CM Revanth Reddy government chooses to impress the Gandhi family," NV Subhash told ANI.
Moreover, BRS leader Krishank also slammed the government, stating it should focus on fulfilling promises rather than merely changing names. He criticised the Congress government under Revanth Reddy for failing to introduce new schemes and suggested the name change was purely election-driven.
"The Congress government under CM Revanth Reddy's rule has done nothing for Hyderabad. Earlier, the KCR government had a Rs 5 Annapurna Canteen for the poor, but now, as elections are approaching, Revanth Reddy's government has changed its name from Annapurna Canteen to Indira Gandhi Canteen. Why be a name changer? Bring in new policies and try to fulfil your 420 promises and guarantees that you have given. But the Congress government is all about changing names... This is really shameful... Revanth Reddy should stop pleasing the Gandhi family, stop being a gulam to the Gandhi family, and instead try to please the voters who have voted for you," BRS leader Krishank said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Hanumantha Rao defended the decision, praising Indira Gandhi's significant contributions to the poor. He argued that the renaming was indeed a fitting tribute to the former Prime Minister.
Speaking to ANI, Congress senior leader Hanumantha Rao said, "The BRS government, under Annapurna Canteens, provided Rs 5 meals. Today, under the leadership of Revanth Reddy, Indiramma Canteens provide meals at Rs 5. They have taken this name because Indira Gandhi brought a revolution; she implemented land ceiling, nationalised banks, and ensured insurance for land labourers. Revanth Reddy's Indiramma Canteen is a fitting tribute. Every poor person who eats that Rs 5 meal should remember Indira Gandhi, as the name is suitable. She brought a revolution in the lives of the poor. By adding her name, everyone will know about her work for the poor. The name for the canteens is fitting, and it should be maintained. Every poor person should eat the Rs 5 meal and remember Indira Gandhi forever. This initiative is good, and I appreciate Revanth Reddy."
(With inputs from ANI)
