Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Alleges Discrimination by Centre in Union Budget, Calls for Southern States’ Solidarity

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Alleges Discrimination by Centre in Union Budget, Calls for Southern States’ Solidarity

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has accused the Central Government of discrimination against Southern states in the Union Budget, proposing a meeting with his counterparts from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Puducherry to devise a joint strategy. Reddy claims the BJP treats Southern states merely as voting machines and warns of potential agitation if the discrimination continues.

In a press conference, Reddy emphasized the lack of mention of Telangana in the budget, despite repeated requests for Central funds. He highlighted that Telangana ministers visited Delhi 18 times, and he himself met the Prime Minister thrice to discuss state development needs. Reddy recalled urging the Prime Minister to act as an elder brother to Telangana, but noted the budget speech failed to acknowledge the state.

Reddy criticized the Centre for not supporting any sector in Telangana, citing no funds for crucial projects like the Regional Ring Road or Musi Riverfront Development. He questioned why Andhra Pradesh received budget allocations while Telangana, covered under the same Reorganisation Act, was neglected.

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of excluding Telangana from the vision of a developed India, Reddy dismissed the slogan “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” as bogus. He labeled the budget as a “kursi bachao” (save the chair) budget, noting that apart from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, no state received funds.

Reddy demanded Union Minister for Coal G. Kishan Reddy take responsibility for the budgetary injustice towards Telangana and resign. He blamed Kishan Reddy’s silence and ‘slave mentality’ for the neglect, asserting that Telangana’s self-respect was compromised.

The Chief Minister announced Congress will protest in Parliament for Telangana’s rights, demanding amendments to allocate funds for the Bayyaram steel plant, Kazipet coach factory, Palamuru project, Hyderabad Metro expansion, and Musi Riverfront development. He warned the BJP of electoral repercussions in Telangana if these demands are ignored.

Reddy also called on BJP MPs to join the protest against the budget’s discrimination towards Telangana and hinted at exposing secret deals and potential mergers between Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and BJP. He urged BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao to participate in the Assembly debate on this issue to avoid being seen as allied with Prime Minister Modi.