Telangana CM takes a jab at PM Modi, referencing the retirement age of 75 for BJP leaders Advani and Joshi.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy queries PM Modi’s retirement age policy, questioning if it applies to Modi himself, given the BJP’s decision to set a retirement age of 75 for elected representatives.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advancing age, drawing parallels with BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. Reddy questioned whether PM Modi, like Advani and Joshi, will retire at 75. He pointed out that Modi had set the retirement age for Advani and Joshi at 75 and wondered if the same rule would apply to Modi himself. The comments reflect ongoing discussions about leadership transitions and retirement policies within the BJP, raising questions about Modi’s future in Indian politics.
During a press conference, the Congress leader remarked, “He has established 75 years as the retirement age for BJP elected representatives. This is evident in his firm actions against LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and other senior leaders. Now that Narendra Modi is nearing 74, only one more year remains. I pose the same question to Narendra Modi: Are you prepared to retire at 75?”
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends beyond retirement policies to economic strategies. Reddy highlighted the stark contrast in borrowing between PM Modi’s tenure and that of previous prime ministers, emphasizing the burden it places on the nation.”PM Modi borrowed 113 lakh crores. He ruined this country.”
Reddy’s assertion underscores a growing concern over the economic management under PM Modi’s leadership. He holds PM Modi accountable for the nation’s economic crisis, emphasizing the need for responsibility. Reddy’s skepticism extends to the credibility of documents submitted by PM Modi, alleging that he may manipulate data to sway elections.
PM Modi’s recent comments on taxes in Telangana drew sharp responses from Reddy. PM Modi referred to the imposition of double ‘R’ tax, attributing it to the governance of the Congress in Telangana. He claimed that this tax burden has turned Hyderabad and Telangana into an “ATM” for both Telangana and Delhi. Furthermore, PM Modi introduced the notion of a “razakar” tax, suggesting an additional burden on the people of Hyderabad. He implied that this tax is a consequence of inadequate governance by the Congress and its allies in the region.
The mention of a “razakar” tax by PM Modi is laden with historical and political connotations. The term “Razakars” refers to a militia group in Hyderabad State during the Indian independence movement, known for their collaboration with the Nizam’s regime. PM Modi’s invocation of this term in contemporary political discourse is a strategic move to highlight perceived failures in governance and to appeal to sentiments of historical injustice among certain sections of the population.
Reddy’s response to PM Modi’s statements reflects the intense political contestation ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana. As the state prepares for elections on May 13 for all 17 seats, the rhetoric between the ruling TRS and the opposition BJP, led by PM Modi, is reaching a fever pitch. The outcome of these elections will not only shape the political landscape of Telangana but also have broader implications for national politics.
With the counting of votes scheduled for June 4, both parties are leaving no stone unturned to sway public opinion in their favor. The exchange between CM Revanth Reddy and PM Modi underscores the high stakes involved in this electoral battle and the divergent visions they offer for the future of Telangana and India as a whole.