Telangana CM Revanth calls it ‘Kursi Bachao Budget’.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made a bold statement against Union Minister Kishan Reddy, referring to him as a “slave to Modi.” In a recent address, Revanth criticized Kishan Reddy for his perceived loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities and failing to address the needs of the people effectively. Revanth urged Kishan Reddy to resign from his ministerial position, suggesting that his resignation would be a step towards better governance and accountability. This remark reflects ongoing political tensions and the heated discourse surrounding current political leadership in India.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Criticizes Union Budget as ‘Kursi Bachao Budget’
In a strong critique of the Union Budget for 2024, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has branded it as the “Kursi Bachao Budget of the Naidu-Nitish Dependent Alliance (NDA).” Speaking at his residence in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Revanth Reddy alleged that the budget represented a quid pro quo arrangement, wherein Prime Minister Narendra Modi allocated substantial funds to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while neglecting the needs of several other states, particularly Telangana.
Critique of Budget Allocation and PM Modi’s Policies
Revanth Reddy’s remarks reflect growing discontent with the federal government’s allocation policies. According to him, the Union Budget has failed to address Telangana’s development needs, particularly in light of promises made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. This Act, which facilitated the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, included several assurances for Telangana’s development, which Revanth claims have not been fulfilled.
Revanth accused Prime Minister Modi of “violating” Telangana’s rights by not allocating funds for key projects that were assured to the state. He expressed frustration over what he perceives as the Centre’s neglect, stating that the entire budget document appeared devoid of any mention of Telangana, as if there was a deliberate attempt to exclude the state from national development priorities.
Allegations Against Union Minister Kishan Reddy
The Telangana Chief Minister did not spare Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, from his criticism. Revanth Reddy described Kishan Reddy as having “bowed his head like a slave before Modi” while injustices were being inflicted upon Telangana. According to Revanth, Kishan Reddy’s failure to advocate for the state’s interests demonstrates a lack of commitment and effectiveness in his ministerial role.
Revanth urged Kishan Reddy to “take responsibility” for the perceived injustice and step down from his position if he was unable to protect Telangana’s interests. This call for resignation highlights the tension between state and central leaders and reflects the broader political discord that is currently shaping regional and national politics.
Calls for Legislative Action and Political Mobilization
In response to the budget’s perceived inadequacies, Revanth Reddy directed Telangana’s State Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu to initiate a discussion in the Assembly on the lack of funds allocated to the state. He emphasized that this issue should be debated in the legislative assembly to hold the central government accountable for its fiscal policies.
Additionally, Revanth invited Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao to participate in the debate, urging him to take a stand on behalf of Telangana rather than being perceived as a “stooge of Modi” like Kishan Reddy. This invitation underscores the need for a united regional front to address the issues concerning Telangana.
Criticism of BJP’s Development Claims
Revanth Reddy also took aim at the BJP’s slogan of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,” questioning the authenticity of their claims about inclusive development. He pointed out that despite the BJP’s goal of transforming India into a USD 5 trillion economy, Telangana’s key projects, such as the Metro rail expansion, the Regional Ring Road (RRR), Musi riverfront development, and the IT Investment Region (ITIR) corridor, received no mention or funding in the Union Budget.
He argued that by investing in these projects, significant development would occur, creating job opportunities and attracting investments to Hyderabad, one of India’s major cities. The absence of these projects in the budget, according to Revanth, undermines the central government’s commitment to holistic national growth and raises questions about its priorities.
Challenges in Fulfilling Constitutional Guarantees
Revanth Reddy acknowledged that while he was not opposed to the central government funding major projects in Andhra Pradesh—such as the construction of the capital city Amaravati, the Polavaram project, and aid for its backward districts—he criticized the lack of fulfillment of constitutional guarantees made to Telangana. He questioned why essential projects for Telangana, such as the Central Tribal University, the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), the Bayyaram Steel Plant, and the Kazipet Coach Factory, did not receive any financial support in the Union Budget.
Political Fallout and Future Actions
Revanth Reddy’s criticism is also aimed at mobilizing political support. He highlighted that Telangana had provided significant support to the BJP in the last Lok Sabha elections, with 38 percent of the vote and eight BJP MPs elected from the state. He expressed disappointment that instead of showing gratitude, the BJP has responded with perceived vindictiveness against Telangana.
In response to the budget’s shortcomings, Revanth announced that Congress MPs would seek support from other party members, including those from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other southern states, to protest in Parliament. He indicated that the state government is formulating a plan to demand and secure the necessary funds for Telangana.
Conclusion
The Union Budget of 2024 has sparked significant controversy and criticism, particularly from Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. His allegations of discrimination, along with calls for political and legislative action, reflect a broader dissatisfaction with how the central government allocates resources and fulfills promises. As the investigation into these claims continues, it remains to be seen how the political landscape will shift and what impact these debates will have on future budgetary policies and regional development initiatives.