Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to abolish reservation, claiming that it is a serious issue that will haunt the party in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Hindu, Reddy expressed concerns about the BJP’s support for organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its policies, such as the abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the Ayodhya Ram temple construction. These actions, according to Reddy, indicate a larger plan to change the nation’s social and political fabric.
Reddy also highlighted the lack of representation for South Indian states in the Union Cabinet, pointing out that Gujarat, with just 26 MPs, has seven Cabinet berths, while the two Telugu states, with 42 MPs, have only one. This perceived favouritism towards Gujarat has created a sense of discrimination among South Indians, Reddy said. He questioned why Telangana had not received funding for projects such as the Metro Rail or Musi River front development, while Gujarat had received significant investments for initiatives like the bullet train and Sabarmati riverfront.
Regarding his own political ambitions, Reddy stated that his focus is on Telangana and that he is not projecting himself as a national-level leader. However, he acknowledged that he has been invited to campaign in other states by the Congress party. Reddy also criticized the Centre’s borrowing policies, which have affected Telangana, and emphasized the need for a restructuring of the loan system.
The Chief Minister expressed support for Ambani and Adani to invest in Telangana’s development, but stressed that the state’s assets must be protected. He believes that investments from these business leaders can generate jobs and contribute to the state’s growth.
Reddy also commented on the future of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), stating that it remains a force in Telangana but its influence has diminished in the upcoming Parliament elections. The BRS’s future, he said, depends on the number of seats it wins and the unity of KCR’s family. Reddy noted the recent trend of political marriages and divorces, highlighting the importance of necessity in politics.
In conclusion, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has raised concerns over the BJP’s alleged anti-reservation agenda, the North-South divide, and the perceived favouritism towards Gujarat. He has also emphasized the importance of protecting Telangana’s assets while welcoming investments from business leaders like Ambani and Adani. Reddy’s comments have sparked discussions about the future of reservation, the role of the RSS, and the dynamics of Centre-State relations in India.
