Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Challenges PM Modi's Development Claims Amid Job Shortages in Uttar Pradesh

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertions regarding national development. He queried why states like Uttar Pradesh lack job opportunities, prompting migration to southern regions for work. At an event distributing appointment letters to new government employees, Reddy highlighted the significant infrastructure growth in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which has attracted substantial investments.

Reddy expressed respect for Modi but questioned the Prime Minister's claims of development. "Narendra Modi ji sometimes says... He is the Prime Minister of the country, and I have a lot of respect for him. He says, ‘I have developed the country.’ I am happy about it. When someone has the opportunity to be Prime Minister thrice, they are bound to achieve something," he stated. He noted that people from northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are moving to cities like Hyderabad for employment.

Migration Patterns and Development

The Chief Minister pointed out that if development had truly occurred in Uttar Pradesh, jobs would be available there. He questioned why people from northern states are not finding employment locally and instead migrating south. Reddy also mentioned that migrants from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha seek opportunities in southern cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Reddy further commented on the nature of development in different regions. "I would like to ask him Modi... Have we achieved development, or have you? Our regions are the true addresses of development. We are known for our hard work. Some people know how to market themselves; they have the intelligence for that. But we know how to work hard," he remarked.

Financial Concerns and Event Expenditure

Addressing financial issues in Telangana, Reddy criticised the previous BRS regime for accumulating debts. He revealed that approximately Rs 1.53 lakh crore has been spent on debt servicing over 15 months. This financial burden has hindered welfare programmes and housing schemes for the poor.

Reddy also touched upon opposition BRS Working President K T Rama Rao's comments about spending on events like the Miss World pageant in Telangana. He argued that such events could boost tourism and hospitality industries in the state. However, he accused Rama Rao of misusing funds during the Formula E race held under the previous regime.

Debt Restructuring Efforts

The Chief Minister disclosed ongoing efforts to restructure Telangana's debts due to high-interest loans taken by the former government at rates up to 11 per cent. He mentioned making frequent trips to Delhi for this purpose. Despite Telangana's reputation, securing new loans remains challenging due to existing financial obligations.

Reddy concluded by addressing criticism over his candid remarks about Telangana's financial state. He emphasised transparency by stating, "Today, Telangana has a big name, but getting loans is not easy. If I speak like this, people say, ‘How can you openly speak the truth? How can you harm the state’s prestige?’ But for how long should the truth be hidden? If there is cancer, how can I claim to have a six-pack?"