Harish Rao Helps 12 Workers Return from Jordan

Twelve migrant workers from Telangana, who had been trapped in difficult conditions in Jordan, have finally returned home reportedly due to the sustained efforts of former minister Harish Rao and the BRS.

The workers arrived in Hyderabad early this morning and visited Rao at his residence to express their heartfelt gratitude.

Recounting the hardships that they faced in Jordan, they said that the BRS was the only party that responded to their pleas for help.

They shared that despite repeated appeals to the Union and State governments, including MPs and MLAs from the Congress and BJP, there was no response. "No one listened to us. But the BRS gave us our lives back," they said.

Rao enquired about the hardships they endured, and how they became trapped abroad. The workers described being left without food, wages or any assistance.

The BRS leader then urged them to explore employment opportunities within Telangana, and arranged vehicles for their safe return to their hometowns in Jagtial, Nirmal, Kamareddy, Nizamabad and Siddipet.

Speaking to the media later, Rao said, "Every year, many youths go abroad hoping to clear debts or secure livelihoods, but some fall prey to agents and end up in distress. These 12 persons were such unfortunate victims. Despite multiple appeals to the Indian Embassy in Jordan and the Telangana government, no action was taken to help them. That is when, acting on KCR's instructions, we took responsibility for rescuing the 12 stranded workers from Jordan. We paid the penalties and arranged their return," he said.

Rao said that it was the duty of any government to protect its citizens - especially those in distress overseas. "Unfortunately, both the Union and the State governments remain in deep slumber. It fell upon BRS to take charge and bring these people home," he said.

He also reminded the public that before the 2023 elections Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had promised a Gulf Welfare Board, a migrant policy, and enhanced welfare funds. "It's been two years, and none of these promises has been fulfilled. Not even a review meeting has been held," he claimed.

Rao also criticised the eight BJP Lok Sabha MPs from Telangana including Union ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay for this negligence, and urged them to establish a special cell in the Ministry of External Affairs to support Telugu people in distress abroad.

"Public representatives are elected not just to make promises but to act in times of crisis. If they forget their promises, the people will remember. The BRS will always stand by the people," the former minister said.