Minister’s helicopter ride for 35 km sparks row in Telangana

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and his cabinet face criticism for using helicopters for short trips despite citing financial constraints. Their travel to nearby events, including a film launch, has raised questions about unnecessary expenditure amid the state's fiscal concerns

Hyderabad: The Congress government’s use of helicopters for short-distance travel is drawing criticism, particularly as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has cited financial constraints and claimed he flies economy class to save public funds.

Despite these claims, the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues are frequently flying in helicopters. On Monday, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Revanth Reddy are scheduled to attend the inaugural of the film “Shrimad Bhagavatham – Part I” at Ramoji Film City.

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Though the venue is just 35 km from Hyderabad, they are travelling by helicopter. Later, the Chief Minister will fly from Hayathnagar to Tirumalagiri in Tungaturthy constituency—a distance of around 110 km—to launch a ration card distribution programme.

The frequent use of helicopters by cabinet ministers is being questioned, especially in light of the Chief Minister’s repeated statements about the State’s poor financial condition and difficulties in raising loans.

“It is unnecessary expenditure,” said M Padmanabha Reddy of the Forum for Good Governance. “Our organisation had earlier written to the Chief Minister urging him to cut down on avoidable spending. Yet, ministers continue to use helicopters and large convoys.”

The issue has also sparked political reactions. BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank, in a post on X, said, “Oh my Royal Chief Minister, no helicopter to save lives in Khammam floods, no visit to Pashamylaram blast site till 26 hours, no visit to SLBC tunnel collapse till 26 hours, but travelling in a helicopter for a movie opening set, which is just 26 km away.”