Revanth Reddy dared the opposition leader for a debate on any governance-related topic.
Published Apr 30, 2025 | 7:55 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 30, 2025 | 7:55 PM
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and BRS supremo KCR
Synopsis: Without taking any names, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said an individual has been drawing a salary and utilising government facilities without engaging with the people.
In an apparent retaliation to BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao’s criticism of the Congress, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, 30 April, said the former has been drawing salary and using government facilities without taking up the responsibilities of the Opposition leader.
Revanth Reddy sought to respond to KCR’s criticism while addressing an event marking the birth anniversary of Sri Mahatma Basaveshwara. The chief minister, however, did not name KCR.
While speaking at the BRS’s silver jubilee celebrations at Elkaturthi near Warangal, KCR had termed the Congress, “Telangana’s villain No 1”.
Responding, Revanth Reddy asked how Congress, the party that delivered the Telangana state, could be called a villain.
“A certain individual held a meeting in Warangal and criticised the Congress. When such events are organised, we support them by providing TSRTC buses. But in Warangal, the BRS made no effort to acknowledge our cooperation. Nor did its leaders raise any public issues. Had they done so, the public might have appreciated their effort,” the chief minister said.
He alleged that KCR, despite being the Leader of the Opposition, had withdrawn from public life. “He has confined himself to his farmhouse while drawing salaries and availing all government facilities. He has taken ₹65 lakh so far in salaries, used government vehicles, and continues to receive police protection. Yet he refuses to engage with the people. Is this acceptable under any law? What message is he sending by remaining absent?”
Disputing KCR’s claims that the Congress government had halted welfare schemes, Reddy asked, “Has Rythu Bandhu stopped? Has Arogyasri been withdrawn? What about free electricity, Shaadi Mubarak, or Kalyana Lakshmi? All these are continuing. Additionally, we have introduced free bus travel for women and provided jobs for the unemployed. Why are these achievements being ignored?”
The chief minister also accused KCR of spreading “vile” remarks in his recent speech. “You have venom in you. You aimed at inciting hatred against the Congress. But the people are wise. They know who worked for the state and who didn’t. Over the next 10 years, we intend to govern in a manner that earns the public’s trust and respect.”
Throwing a challenge at the BRS leader, Revanth Reddy said, “Let us have a debate — on Kaleshwaram, on free buses, loan waivers, Rythu Bandhu, the 60,000 jobs we’ve created, SC sub-categorisation, or the caste census. Pick any topic. We are ready. But all we hear from you is bitterness. After looting the state for a decade, you have no moral right to point fingers at us.”
Revanth Reddy also remarked that it wasn’t Telangana that was disturbed by the Congress’s victory, but KCR’s family.
“Your visit to Warangal was like a cat going on a pilgrimage after killing a hundred mice. You think your sins are washed away, but instead, you lied and added more. You couldn’t even bring yourself to say my name,” he said.
Referring to Basaveshwara’s ideals, the chief minister said, “He continues to inspire us. Our goal is to increase the state’s revenue and ensure it benefits the poor. Our duty is to serve the people — and the people are our true brand ambassadors.”
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
