■ Revanth Reddy accuses Kishan Reddy of blocking Telangana’s key projects, including Metro Rail Phase-2.

■ Kishan Reddy retorts calling Revanth’s claims baseless, insists Centre follows due process in approvals.

■ BJP vs. Congress battle intensifies amid allegations of political bias in fund allocation

■ Experts warn Political friction could delay Telangana’s development and impact future electoral dynamics.

mahesh avadhutha I hyderabad

Of late, the last week to be precise, the political landscape in Telangana is ablaze with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy exchanging a war of words. What began as mere exchange of barbs has evolved into a dramatic showdown between these key political figures.

At the heart of the rivalry lies the contentious debate over the Central government's stance on financial assistance, grants, and resource allocations for Telangana and other states. As both leaders engage in a volley of accusations and counterclaims, the stakes escalate, leaving the political landscape more turbulent than ever.

With tempers flaring and no sign of resolution in sight, the pivotal question looms large: Will Telangana secure the financial support it desperately needs from the Centre, or will this ongoing power struggle hinder vital development projects, stalling progress for the state? The outcome of this high-stakes battle will undoubtedly shape Telangana's future in the months to come.

Revanth Reddy’s accusations

The Congress-led government in Telangana has initiated ambitious projects like Metro Rail Phase-2, the Regional Ring Road, and the Musi River Rejuvenation, among others, for which central assistance is crucial. To secure funding, CM Revanth Reddy and his team have made repeated efforts to engage with decision-makers in New Delhi, sharing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and other relevant information.

However, with no favorable response from the Centre, Revanth Reddy has directly blamed Kishan Reddy, accusing him of influencing his Union Cabinet colleagues to withhold approvals for Telangana’s projects. “Kishan Reddy did not allow the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2 project to reach the Union Cabinet. He did this because he feared I would get the credit. For me, credit is secondary to the state’s interests. If Kishan Reddy wants, he can get approvals and funds for Telangana and take the credit himself,” Revanth Reddy said.

He pointed to examples like Tamil Nadu, where despite political differences between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the BJP-led Centre, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ensured Metro expansion approvals. Karnataka also received similar approvals. Revanth Reddy questioned what Kishan Reddy had done for Telangana during his six-year tenure as a Union Minister. In a formal move, he even wrote a letter to Kishan Reddy seeking clarification.

Kishan Reddy’s  counter-attack

Union Minister Kishan Reddy has strongly refuted these allegations, challenging CM Revanth Reddy to provide evidence to support his claims. He dismissed the accusation that he was obstructing Telangana’s projects, particularly Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2.

Kishan Reddy, who also is the Telangana BJP president, criticized Revanth for speaking "out of ignorance." He went further, calling Revanth’s tenure as Chief Minister "a misfortune for Telangana." Defending the Centre’s decision-making process, Kishan Reddy stated that the Union government follows a clear policy and procedure and accused Revanth Reddy of resorting to "blackmail politics." 

He also accused the CM of making false allegations to cover up the Congress government’s failure in fulfilling electoral promises made to the people of Telangana. Kishan Reddy maintained that the BJP does not engage in politics for personal gain or provocation but is committed to national and state development. He categorically denied any interference in project approvals and fund allocations for Telangana.

Congress general secretary Addanki Dayakar felt BJP’s non-cooperation reason could be to prevent Revanth Reddy from getting all the name and accolades if he executed the ambitious projects as planned by the Congress government. Wherever CM or his team is going in New Delhi, Kishan Reddy is making phone calls and pressurizing them not to concede our requests and demands, alleged Dayakar, adding that Kishan Reddy or Bandi Sanjay are representing the people of Telangana and not just a party.

When CM met PM, Modi gave a list in return and asked Revanth to focus on certain pending issues. For a moment, if we consider it’s all part of the administrative system. Will the PM give similar kind of letters if UP or MP CMs come to meet him, Dayakar questioned. BJP senior leader S Malla Reddy has dismissed the allegations against Kishan Reddy as rubbish and baseless. He pointed out that Telangana got a fair share of Central assistance for various initiatives in the last several years and the support will continue even in the future.

Meanwhile, BJP state leader Mounika Sunkara opines co-ordination is expected from states but due to political egos, other party CMs don’t join in development initiatives and eventually blame the Centre. BJP looks at the country as a whole without discriminating states, she stressed. Both BJP and BRS are trying to prove that Revanth Reddy government failed in delivering and as a counter offensive, Chief Minister is pinning the blame on Kishan Reddy, alleging him of acting against the interests of people of Telangana, said, Telakapalli Ravi, noted political analyst.

BJP seems to be looking at Revanth and the Congress party and trying to discriminate Telangana. However, the people of Telangana are not silent spectators. Whatever the leaders may say to justify themselves, but if there is any kind of non-co-operation to the state, it will hamper the party and political interests in the long run, he said.