Nadda accuses Congress of divisive politics
Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader J P Nadda on Thursday slammed the Indian National Congress for allegedly promoting a 'North-South divide' narrative in the country. Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad, Nadda claimed that the Congress party was deliberately trying to create regional tensions for political gain.
Telangana government called 'ATM' for central Congress
The minister also alleged that the Congress government in Telangana, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has turned out to be an 'ATM' for the party's central leadership. According to Nadda, funds meant for the state's development are being diverted to meet the financial needs of the Congress high command in Delhi.
Nadda cited recent instances where the state government has reportedly failed to clear pending bills for various welfare schemes, while resources are being allocated to support Congress activities in other states. He urged the people of Telangana to question the state government's priorities.
Revanth Reddy responds
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, in a counter statement, dismissed Nadda's allegations as baseless. He accused the BJP of trying to distract from its own failures at the Centre. Reddy asserted that the Telangana government is fully committed to the welfare of its citizens and that all financial decisions are taken in the interest of the state.
The Congress leader also pointed out that the BJP has been making similar accusations against non-BJP state governments across the country as part of a pattern to undermine federalism. He challenged Nadda to provide specific evidence of fund diversion.
Political implications
Political analysts view Nadda's remarks as part of the BJP's strategy to gain a foothold in Telangana, where the party has been trying to expand its presence. The state has traditionally been a stronghold of either the Congress or the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now Bharat Rashtra Samithi).
The 'North-South divide' narrative has been a recurring theme in Indian politics, with southern states often alleging neglect by the central government. Nadda's comments are seen as an attempt to counter this perception by accusing Congress of exploiting the divide for electoral benefit.
