Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has targeted Union coal minister G. Kishan Reddy, accusing him of failing to secure approvals, funds and support for key projects and issues affecting the state. Addressing a public meeting in Malkajgiri, the CM questioned what Telangana had gained from having Union ministers in the central government if crucial projects continued to face delays.
He alleged that approvals for the Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion, development of airports at Warangal and Adilabad and other infrastructure initiatives were being held up despite repeated representations by the state government. Revanth Reddy pointedly accused Kishan Reddy of advising Maharashtra’s chief minister against issuing permission for Telangana’s Tummidihetti project, which is going to play an important role in state irrigation.
Revanth Reddy said his government had been making continuous efforts to secure the Centre's cooperation for Telangana's development agenda, but was facing hurdles at every stage. He argued that the state was entitled to support from the Centre, irrespective of political differences, and said that elected representatives from Telangana should work to safeguard the state's interests.
Revanth Reddy also launched a strong offensive on the issue of paddy procurement, accusing the Centre of failing to adequately address Telangana farmers' concerns. Demanding that every grain produced by farmers be procured, he said the Union government could not evade its responsibility towards the state's agricultural sector. "Procure every last grain of paddy produced in Telangana," he said, warning that farmers should not be made to suffer because of administrative delays or political considerations.
The chief minister specifically questioned Kishan Reddy's role, asking why the Union minister had not been able to secure quicker approvals and stronger support for Telangana's pending demands. He maintained that his government was committed to protecting farmers' interests and accelerating development work across the state.
Revanth Reddy's remarks come amid growing efforts by the Congress government to highlight what it describes as inadequate central support for Telangana. The state government has repeatedly argued that several important proposals have been awaiting approvals and assistance from New Delhi despite their significance to Telangana's economic growth and infrastructure development.
Responding to Revanth Reddy's criticism, Union minister Kishan Reddy rejected the allegations and accused the Congress government of attempting to divert attention from its own shortcomings. He said the Telangana government had no moral right to blame the Centre over paddy procurement while failing to fulfil promises made to farmers and other sections. Maintaining that the Narendra Modi government had extended substantial support to Telangana through various projects and funding initiatives, he argued that the state's performance was not matching its rhetoric. Kishan Reddy also challenged the chief minister to a public debate on Telangana's development and the Centre's contribution to the state, asserting that people were aware of his efforts and that he did not need a certificate from the CM.
