Hyderabad, June 10: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday threw an open challenge to both the BJP and the BRS for a public debate on governance, comparing the performance of his government over the last 30 months with the decade-long rule of the BRS and the 12-year tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for the proposed Cyberabad Municipal Corporation and several development projects, the Chief Minister said he was ready to discuss achievements, development initiatives, and fund allocations before the people of Telangana.
“Telangana gave eight Lok Sabha seats to the BJP, helping Narendra Modi become Prime Minister once again. What have these eight BJP MPs brought to Telangana? They are questioning what I have done in two years. Let us discuss who has secured funds and development projects for the state,” Revanth Reddy said.
The Chief Minister accused Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and other BJP MPs from Telangana of hindering the release of Central funds meant for the state’s development.
He alleged that BJP leaders were deliberately creating obstacles for major projects being undertaken by the state government, including the ambitious Musi River rejuvenation project.
“When Gujarat’s Sabarmati River was developed, everyone appreciated it. But when Telangana takes up the Musi project, they are creating hurdles. Why are Telangana BJP MPs not demanding funds from the Centre for the state’s development?” he asked.
Revanth Reddy further claimed that Kishan Reddy frequently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers immediately after the state government submitted memoranda seeking assistance from the Centre. He questioned the purpose of such meetings and alleged that they were aimed at blocking support for Telangana.
Warning the BJP against obstructing development works, the Chief Minister said the people of Telangana would give a fitting response in future elections if the party continued to act against the state’s interests.
The Chief Minister also advised former Chief Minister and BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and Kishan Reddy to offer constructive suggestions instead of engaging in what he termed “corruption and arrogance” that harms the people.
Highlighting Hyderabad’s future development plans, Revanth Reddy announced that construction of an international bus terminal spread over 100 acres at Gajularamaram would commence within the next three months.
He said the state government would focus entirely on development over the next 24 months, keeping political considerations aside.
Emphasising Hyderabad’s importance to the national economy, the Chief Minister noted that cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad are key economic engines of the country. He pointed out that while Delhi struggles with pollution, Mumbai faces flooding issues, and Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata battle traffic congestion, Hyderabad has the opportunity to grow in a planned and sustainable manner.
To facilitate systematic urban development, the government has decided to divide the rapidly expanding city into three municipal corporations with clearly defined administrative boundaries to improve coordination between civic and law enforcement agencies.
“We created three corporations to meet the future needs of the expanding city and ensure better coordination. Let us develop Hyderabad by rising above political agendas,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is implementing a comprehensive master plan for Hyderabad, including the second phase of the Metro Rail project and the construction of one lakh houses for low- and middle-income families.
Listing welfare initiatives undertaken by his government, Revanth Reddy highlighted the breakfast scheme for students from schools to intermediate colleges, free bus travel for women in RTC buses, and the establishment of 150 commercial stalls for women under the ‘Indira Mahila Shakti’ programme.
He also noted that women are being empowered through the allocation of petrol bunks and other livelihood opportunities.
The Chief Minister said the government is also establishing Young India Residential Schools and Telangana Public Schools to provide quality education to students from economically weaker sections and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Revanth Reddy reiterated that his government’s primary objective is to transform Hyderabad into a truly global city while ensuring inclusive growth and welfare for all sections of society.
