CM Dares Kishan Reddy To Debate On Central Funds

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today challenged Union Minister Kishan Reddy to a debate regarding the funds allocated by the Union government to Telangana over the past decade.

The CM invited Kishan Reddy to set a date for the debate, and said that both Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and he were prepared to discuss the issue.

In an informal interaction with reporters at the Assembly, Revanth Reddy said that the Union Budget had limited allocations for Telangana projects, which is why he was urging the Centre to meet the State's legitimate demands.

"I am reminding everyone of the commitments made to the people of Telangana by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past. If need be, we will go to New Delhi not just 39 times but 99 times to remind the Centre," he said.

"I would also like to remind everyone that Union minister Kishan Reddy claims that he had played a role in bringing the Metro to Hyderabad. Meanwhile, his own party MP Etala Rajender is hindering the land acquisition process for the project. And when BJP leaders assert that the responsibility for land acquisition lies with the State government, shouldn't they engage in discussions with us?" Reddy asked.

"I'd also like to know why during the visits of Union ministers to Hyderabad for reviews, Kishan Reddy was absent. Did he miss them because he feared upsetting KCR? When the Urban Development minister participated in a review, why did Kishan Reddy not attend it? Kishan Reddy should be open to discussing State development and the allocation of Central funds. Both Bhatti Vikramarka and I are ready to participate in such discussions. If it can be demonstrated that additional funds were allocated, we will honour Kishan Reddy," he added.

The Chief Minister also said that he held MRPS President Manda Krishna Madiga in high regard but that the outcomes of competitive exams were unrelated to reservation policies.

"How can Manda Krishna express views akin to those of a BJP leader? The Supreme Court classification matter does not pertain to previously issued notifications. Any attempts to take action could result in legal consequences," he said.