Hyderabad witnessed a significant political huddle on Monday as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy laid down a clear directive for his cabinet and party legislators. With the state assembly set to resume on January 2, the focus will be squarely on critical discussions concerning river water agreements and irrigation projects.
Preparing for a Fact-Based Confrontation
Following an adjournment by Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, the Chief Minister convened a meeting in his assembly chambers. He emphatically asked all ministers and Congress MLAs to ensure 100% attendance during the upcoming debates. Revanth Reddy stressed the need for thorough preparation, instructing his team to come armed with comprehensive details to effectively counter the opposition Bharata Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a pointed remark, the CM alluded to the BRS's recent electoral setbacks, including in panchayat polls. He suggested the party might try to project a strong opposition image within the House. To counter this, ministers were told to respond with hard facts and figures, leaving no stone unturned in exposing what the government alleges was the BRS's compromise of the state's interests in river water sharing. The legislators were also asked to compile district-wise data on projects and water allocations.
A Gesture of Courtesy and a Planned Central Hall
The day also saw a moment of unexpected interaction that became a major talking point in the assembly corridors. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy walked up to the seat of the Leader of the Opposition, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), and shook hands with him. Describing it as a matter of courtesy, Revanth later told the media that respecting all members of the House was paramount. He revealed this wasn't their first interaction, having met KCR previously when the latter was hospitalized.
When questioned by reporters about why KCR left the session early after a brief appearance and what the two leaders discussed, Revanth Reddy deftly turned the query around. "Why would I reveal what we talked about? Why he left early is a question the media should pose to the BRS chief," he stated. This brief encounter was interpreted differently by legislators; some saw it as rare camaraderie, while others predicted aggressive exchanges if the two leaders face off during the water debates.
Infrastructure Upgrade for the Legislature
Looking beyond the immediate session, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced an infrastructural initiative for the state legislature. The government is planning to construct a central hall modelled on the lines of the Parliament. This facility, once ready, would be accessible to all ministers, Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), and MLAs, aiming to foster better interaction and discourse.
As Telangana braces for a politically charged assembly session in the new year, the stage is set for a detailed and potentially heated examination of the state's vital water resources and irrigation projects. The Congress government's strategy is clear: to confront the opposition with meticulous data and full-force participation.
