Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made significant promises for Mahbubnagar district on Saturday. He committed to completing all pending irrigation projects in the region. The Chief Minister also outlined plans to develop the erstwhile Mahbubnagar district into a model district for the entire state.
Public Meeting and Foundation Stones
Revanth Reddy addressed a large public gathering in Mahbubnagar. He had earlier laid foundation stones for various development works. These projects carry a total estimated cost of Rs 1,284 crore.
One major initiative includes establishing an IIIT campus at Jadcherla. This educational project alone involves an outlay of Rs 200 crore. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of these developments for regional progress.
Appeal to Voters and Criticism of Previous Government
Revanth Reddy made a direct appeal to the voters of the region. He urged them to elect representatives who would work collaboratively with MLAs, ministers, and the state government. This cooperation, he stressed, is essential to secure necessary funds and drive meaningful progress.
The Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the previous BRS government and its leader, former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. He accused KCR of deliberately neglecting the Palamuru region during his ten-year rule. Revanth Reddy claimed that not a single irrigation project was completed in the combined Mahbubnagar district under the previous administration.
"I throw a challenge to KCR to state whether even one irrigation project was completed here during his tenure," Revanth declared during his speech.
Congress Government's Commitments
The Chief Minister outlined his government's specific plans for irrigation development. He stated that the Congress administration has taken full responsibility for completing all pending irrigation projects. Key schemes mentioned include the Palamuru lift irrigation scheme, the SLBC project, and the Kodangal and Narayanpet lift irrigation schemes.
Revanth Reddy also addressed the issue of land acquisition for these projects. He instructed MLAs to ensure that farmers whose land is acquired near project sites receive fair and adequate compensation. This move aims to protect agricultural communities while enabling infrastructure development.
Allegations of Anti-Development Forces
The Chief Minister used strong language to criticize the opposition. He alleged that KCR, whom he referred to as 'Sukhracharyudu', had deployed his associates to obstruct development in the region. Revanth expressed confidence that the people of Palamuru possess the strength to respond to what he called 'evil forces' working against their progress.
Revanth Reddy highlighted his government's broader vision for Mahbubnagar. He announced plans to secure an Indian Institute of Management for the district through cooperation with the central government. His dream, he shared, is for visitors from across India to see Palamuru as a role model in both irrigation management and educational excellence.
Relationship with Central Government
The Chief Minister addressed recent criticism regarding his frequent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He defended these interactions as necessary for Telangana's development. Revanth Reddy stated he would meet the Prime Minister as many times as required to secure funds for the state.
"We respect Modi as the Prime Minister of the country," Revanth said, emphasizing his government's 'give and take policy' with the Centre. This approach, he explained, is designed to maximize benefits for Telangana while maintaining constructive federal relations.
Political Context and Broader Vision
Revanth Reddy clarified that he has no personal enemies in politics. He pointed out that the Congress party has already defeated the BRS in multiple elections, including the 2023 assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The Chief Minister stated that his true fight is against poverty and illiteracy, not against any individual politician.
He expressed strong commitment to education-led development across Telangana. The Chief Minister also criticized BRS legislators for skipping a recent assembly debate on irrigation projects. He suggested they were avoiding discussion to hide their own failures during their time in power.
Revanth Reddy concluded with a message to his predecessor. "My suggestion is that KCR should either bless us for the good work we are doing or rest in the farmhouse but not indulge in baseless criticism," he stated firmly.
The public meeting in Mahbubnagar thus served as both a development announcement platform and a political statement. It outlined the Congress government's priorities for the region while drawing clear contrasts with the previous administration's record.