Congress MP Challenges PM Modi Over Telangana Development Conditions

Hyderabad: Congress legislator Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, representing Bhongir in Parliament, has taken issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comments regarding Telangana's development and the allocation of central resources.

Through a social media statement, the Congress MP objected to Modi's remarks directed at Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in which the Prime Minister urged him to "be with him" in discussions about advancing the state's development agenda.

Chamala questioned whether Modi's approach aligns with the stated principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (growth for all with all), or if it has effectively become "BJP Ka Saath, Tabhi Vikas" (growth only with BJP support).

The lawmaker emphasized that a Prime Minister bears the responsibility of serving all citizens uniformly across the nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He contended that the quality of governance should not fluctuate based on which political party holds power in a particular state.

"Development funds represent the constitutional entitlement of every state within our federal system, not political favors to be dispensed at will," Chamala stated, adding that such resources should be allocated based on legitimate needs and rights.

The Congress leader argued that Telangana's progress—encompassing economic growth, industrial development, agricultural prosperity, and opportunities for young people—must not hinge on whether the state government maintains political alignment with the ruling coalition at the Centre. He warned that conditioning development assistance on political support sends a detrimental signal to citizens about the nature of democratic governance.

Chamala asserted that India's democratic institutions would strengthen when all states receive equitable treatment and when dissenting voices are given fair consideration. He stressed that effective governance transcends party-line calculations and that sustainable development cannot be predicated on political fealty to any national party.

The MP further alleged that citizens anticipate leadership that prioritizes national unity rather than exerting pressure on elected state governments for political expediency. True leadership, he suggested, involves strengthening every state equitably without imposing political conditions as prerequisites for development support.