Centre Discriminates Against Telangana In Funds: CM

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today took a broadside at the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of discriminating against Telangana in the approval of projects and the devolution of Central funds since 2013.

The Chief Minister also slammed the BRS leadership, alleging that its leaders were behaving "like cocaine and ganja addicts" and spreading canards against the State government.

Addressing the media at his residence, Reddy claimed that the Centre had not approved even a single project proposed by the State. "The Centre has not granted national status to any State project, sanctioned funds for the Musi rejuvenation project, or approved Metro Rail Phase-II. During the recent visit to the State, we expected BJP president Nitin Nabin to announce national project status for the Palamuru-Rangareddy project, but not a word was uttered. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also campaigned in Adilabad without making any positive statement on cooperation for completing the Pranahita-Chevella project, which would provide irrigation and drinking water to two lakh acres in the district," he said.

He reprimanded Union ministers Bandi Sanjay and Kishan Reddy, accusing them of mortgaging Telangana's self-respect before the Centre. He said that the promises of compensation during the Hyderabad floods were not fulfilled, and alleged that the BJP deceived people after the GHMC elections. He also accused the Union ministers of failing to secure funds for the Sammakka-Saralamma (Medaram) Jathara, ITIR and semiconductor projects.

The Chief Minister also said that Telangana received only 42 paise for every rupee contributed to the Centre, and called it a grave injustice to southern States. He contrasted this with higher allocations to several northern States.

Reddy also criticised the BJP for invoking Prime Minister Modi during local elections, and accused the BJP and the BRS of maintaining secret relations among themselves. He urged the voters to give the Congress a strong mandate in the upcoming municipal elections.