Revanth Reddy’s 50th Delhi trip sparks fresh criticism

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s 50th trip to New Delhi in less than two years has led to criticism from political and public circles. Critics say the visits have yielded little benefit for Telangana and increased the financial burden

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s 50th trip to New Delhi in less than two years sparked debates in the political circles and intellectual forums over the benefits secured by the State government due to these trips.

The Chief Minister boarded a flight to New Delhi on Friday evening to participate in the All India Congress Committee’s annual legal conclave at Vigyan Bhavan on Saturday.

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After flying back to Hyderabad, he is again scheduled to board a flight to New Delhi on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. This time, it would be for staging protests and exerting pressure on the Union government for the implementation of 42 per cent reservations for BCs.

There was no benefit to the State despite his frequent trips to the national capital. The Union government’s discrimination towards Telangana continues despite the appeals made by the State government for the approval of different projects or for the release of pending funds.

This step-motherly treatment continued even after the Chief Minister called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “Bada Bhai” and sought his support. Apart from disappointing the people, the Chief Minister’s frequent meetings with the BJP-led Union government have not gone well with the Congress high command.

Keeping political agenda aside, the Chief Minister’s repeated trips to New Delhi are also raising questions from different sections on social media about the expenditure and the burden on the State exchequer. This is despite the Chief Minister’s statements that he flies economy class.

Countering the growing criticism, the Chief Minister had earlier said that he would continue flying in the better interest of the State.

However, even after all these trips, the State has hardly been able to resolve pending bifurcation issues, river water disputes or secure approvals for major projects. Instead, new controversies like the Banakacherla project have started troubling the State.