Telangana Congress leader Revanth Reddy recently voiced sharp criticism of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting perceived neglect toward Telangana and accusing the central government of favoring Gujarat at the expense of the southern states. Reddy’s impassioned remarks were intended to spotlight what he described as Telangana’s struggle for development and the unity of the nation.
Telangana’s Heritage and the Gandhi Legacy
Revanth Reddy criticized BJP’s alleged opposition to the beautification of Bapu Ghat, where the Musa River meets the Esa River. Reddy explained the Congress’s vision of honoring Mahatma Gandhi through this project, including the construction of a Gandhi statue in Telangana. He argued that if the BJP could support the installation of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, they should likewise support a monument for Gandhi, who is a central figure in India’s history and independence.
“The BJP’s opposition to Bapu Ghat shows their lack of respect for Mahatma Gandhi. We want to beautify it and honor him, but they oppose it because they disrespect Gandhi,” Reddy stated.
Allegations of Divisive Politics by PM Modi
Reddy did not hold back in accusing Prime Minister Modi of fostering a divide between North and South India. According to him, the Prime Minister’s repeated focus on elections and lack of policy reviews show a disregard for holistic national development. Reddy suggested that the central government’s policies favor Gujarat’s growth over other states, indirectly suggesting that Gujarat’s progress alone would not bring India to a $5 trillion economy.
“The Prime Minister seems more focused on Gujarat than on creating a unified, prosperous India,” Reddy alleged. “Is it only Gujarat that should develop while Telangana gets left behind?”
“Vibrant Telangana” vs. “Vibrant Gujarat”
Drawing a parallel between the successful “Vibrant Gujarat” initiative and Telangana’s growth ambitions, Reddy championed the idea of a “Rising Telangana” and “Rising Hyderabad.” He asserted that Telangana’s potential was equal, if not greater, and that it deserved similar attention and investment from the central government. By emphasizing Telangana’s growth, Reddy underscored the state’s right to pursue projects that promote its own economic and social vitality.
Alleged Conspiracy Between BRS and BJP
Reddy went on to allege a conspiracy between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and BJP, accusing them of coordinating efforts to undermine the Telangana Congress. He claimed that BRS leaders would raise issues, only to have BJP ministers, including Union Ministers, address the same topics a day later in a seemingly orchestrated manner. According to Reddy, this alliance seeks to weaken the Telangana government led by opposition forces in an attempt to control the state’s governance.
The Demand for “Future City”
Reddy further called out the central government for restricting Telangana’s plans to develop “Future City,” a project he claimed could parallel Gujarat’s “Gift City.” He questioned why Telangana’s ambitions to innovate and modernize through its projects were stifled, while Gujarat’s plans received full support from the central government.
“If Gujarat is allowed to construct Gift City, then why is Telangana’s Future City facing resistance? The people of Telangana deserve progress without interference from divisive forces,” Reddy argued.
Emphasis on Local Governance and Telangana’s Hard-Won Statehood
In an impassioned statement, Reddy spoke about the sacrifices made by countless people to achieve statehood for Telangana, contrasting it with Gujarat’s smoother path to state formation from Maharashtra. He recalled the struggles and lives lost for Telangana’s statehood and argued that these sacrifices should not be disregarded by a government that appears to be aligning with other interests.
Critique of KCR’s Leadership
Reddy did not spare Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), accusing him of engaging in “palace politics.” According to Reddy, KCR isolates himself from the people and democracy, choosing to manage the government from his farmhouse rather than actively engaging with the public or democratic processes. Reddy claimed KCR’s approach reveals a disdain for the responsibilities of democratic leadership, branding KCR’s approach as authoritarian.
“If KCR truly believes in democracy, he should come out and interact with the people,” Reddy declared. “His self-isolation signals that he views himself as a feudal lord while treating the people like subordinates.”
Looking Forward: Reddy’s Vision for Telangana
In his concluding remarks, Reddy emphasized his commitment to leading Telangana toward a brighter future. He underscored the importance of local governance and developing Telangana without reliance on centralized interests. He reaffirmed his intent to stand by Telangana’s people and to foster a state that is both united and forward-looking.
In a rallying call to his supporters, Reddy declared, “Telangana is a land of resilience, pride, and potential. Together, we will build a state that stands as a beacon for all of India.”
