At a current Adda in New Delhi, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy spoke on classes from the Lok Sabha elections, the Telangana mannequin of growth as a counter to the Gujarat mannequin and politics of polarisation
Ab ki baar 400 paar, however 400 turned 240 seats. The prediction for the Congress was 40 however that 40 turned 99 seats. The numbers will present you who gained the election. I can’t say it was the BJP’s defeat. It was Modi’s defeat. Why? As a result of they’d deliberate every thing on Modi’s model and assure, so (it means) folks have refused to just accept Modi’s assure. Earlier than the elections, I used to say that the guarantee on Modi’s assure was over. With no guarantee, they wanted some help — of Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. If both of them withdraws, Modi doesn’t have a authorities.
On Congress’s efficiency
We couldn’t kind the federal government however we have been profitable in forming the general public notion that Modi has lied to residents for the final 10 years, that he created issues for farmers with the three farm legal guidelines, that he tried to vary the Structure and tried to get rid of reservation. We uncovered all these
hidden agendas of Modi and made the general public perceive these points. Individuals now know the BJP’s hidden agenda. Their election agenda is totally different from their hidden agenda.
On classes for the Congress from June 4
The Congress has to vary its format. Our leaders are nonetheless enjoying a Take a look at match. As we speak, now we have a 20-20 format; now we have to improve our format or in any other case redefine it. The BJP is doing hit-out or get-out politics. We’re not able to turning into that ruthless. If you wish to have transactional relations, you are able to do every thing. The BJP, its politicians, have a transactional relation. Congress politicians usually are not like this.
On the politics of polarisation
That is one thing that each politician ought to take into consideration as a result of divisive politics is just not good for the nation. You may win (elections) with divisive politics however taking the nation ahead is tough with this sort of politics. However the BJP doesn’t care. I’ve been saying this for a very long time and I’m nonetheless saying this: Each drugs, regardless of how good it’s, whether or not it’s for Covid or the rest, has an expiry date. In order that expiry date has come (of divisive politics).
On whether or not the Congress is pressured to do comparable politics
No, the Congress has a nationwide strategy, nationwide notion. From 2004 to 2014, we have been in energy — Rahul Gandhi was hardly ever seen. However from 2014 to 2024, there have been three elections and even after shedding in all three elections, Rahul Gandhi didn’t depart the sphere. He walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, 4,000 km in over 150 days. Did any nationwide chief ever take such a journey to achieve out to the general public?
Then, (inform me) which household is attempting to rob this nation? After eradicating Rahul Gandhi from Tughlaq Highway, he had no residence to go to. In villages, in each nook of India, all of the folks, together with the adivasis, got a home by Indira Gandhi however there isn’t any room for Indira Gandhi’s grandson to remain in. Nonetheless, there are corruption expenses in opposition to the Gandhi household. They (BJP) say they’ve made ‘this state and that state’ an ATM. It’s the PM, not only a employee or a small politician, who’s saying this. Narendra Modi himself stated that the Gandhi household has made Telangana an ATM. If the Gandhi household wants cash, then why did they attempt to turn out to be martyrs?
On the Telangana mannequin of growth The Telangana mannequin is to provide equal alternative to everybody. The Telangana mannequin is sweet governance — welfare and growth. Welfare alone is just not good and when you solely deal with growth and do no welfare, then the poor gained’t get something. So there have to be a steadiness.
That is good governance. Sonia Gandhiji has given six ensures on September 17, 2023. I’ve given another assure — the seventh assure. That’s democracy… So, the Telangana strategy is the Congress strategy.
From 2004 to 2014, Sonia Gandhi was the chairperson of the UPA, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi marketed the Gujarat mannequin the world over in these 10 years. The then Union authorities gave a lot help to Modiji… each state, whether or not it was dominated by the Opposition or not… was given help for growth… be it permissions, budgetary help… That’s the reason there may very well be a Gujarat mannequin.
However immediately, Narendra Modi, being the Prime Minister, is solely ignoring Opposition states. He’s attempting his degree finest to complete all Opposition states. Why? That’s the Gujarat mannequin… If some funding involves Telengana… if an investor will get able to put money into Telengana… the PMO tells them to go to Gujarat. Semiconductor… incentives kiske liye diya hua hai… He’s the Prime Minister of India however Modiji is behaving just like the PM of Gujarat. As a result of for him each funding and each strategy… is Gujarat. We have been in energy for 10 years, however didn’t create any drawback for Gujarat.
On the North-South debate
Why are you calling it North-South? Why can’t it’s South-North? We (the South) have contributed loads. As an illustration, if I pay one rupee from my state, I get 40 paisa from the Authorities of India. Whereas if Bihar pays one rupee, they get Rs 7.6, and Uttar Pradesh will get Rs 2.73. They’re distributing it based mostly on inhabitants. When the Authorities of India introduced household planning, each southern state carried out it. When the Authorities of India has given any path or instruction or order, being good residents of India, now we have carried out that however you’re punishing us. Why? That’s the reason when NITI Aayog got here to Telangana, I advised them that fifty per cent (of returns) ought to be on inhabitants and the opposite 50 per cent ought to be on efficiency.
Second, there may be now a dialogue on delimitation and growing seats. Our final census was in 2011. If we take the census of 2025, then to kind a Central authorities, it won’t be essential to ask for a vote of the South. In the event that they wish to enhance as much as 800-plus seats, the South goes down from 123 seats. So then our function (will turn out to be) negligible. Why will we sit in silence? We now have to lift our voice when somebody is taking away our proper. If they struggle to remove our rights, then naturally the South-North argument will robotically come up.
On the problem of corporates in politics
In each place, there isn’t any dialogue on this nation with out Adani and Ambani, from crony capitalism to PSUs. All of the navaratnas are being taken over by these folks. Earlier than Modiji turned Prime Minister in 2014, I believe India had 16 prime ministers. That they had borrowed solely Rs 55 lakh crore. On this 10-year tenure alone, Modi has borrowed Rs 133 lakh crore. As we speak, the Indian authorities has Rs 188 lakh crore debt. Of the borrowed Rs 133 lakh crore, he waived off Rs 16 lakh crore debt of a company firm. If we waive the debt of farmers, we’re questioned. They’ve issues if cash is distributed to the poor however none over the Rs 16 lakh-crore waiver to corporates. If that quantity was given to farmers, unemployed employees or girls, there would have been a lot prosperity.
On the BRS and the caste census
I don’t see any distinction between the BJP and BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi). KTR (KT Rama Rao) has been in Delhi for 2 days. The anti-corruption bureau has requested permission from the Governor (to query KTR) and the file has been pending for 15 days. KCR (Okay Chandrasekhar Rao) has performed such a job in Maharashtra, so why didn’t they area a single candidate in Maharashtra this time? To battle Maharashtra elections, it (BRS) was made a nationwide occasion from a regional occasion. That they had carried out a variety of campaigning in Maharashtra. As we speak, KCR is just not even trying again (at Maharashtra). If he’s in opposition to Modiji, then a minimum of he ought to elevate his voice to defeat Modiji in Maharashtra. Why is he not saying something?
Relating to the query for the caste census in Telengana, you say there’s a Privateness Act, by which you’ll’t share knowledge however you’re giving all the small print to a cell service supplier. But when the Telangana authorities requested for some knowledge, you refused to provide it. Why? Is the federal government not reliable? What particulars am I asking you for — what’s your training, your caste, the welfare schemes you’re getting. If I do know the precise proportion of caste, precise proportion of welfare, I can undertake good welfare measures. Rahul Gandhi stated, that is an x-ray. I wished to increase that phrase, this can be a mega well being check-up for society. If there may be knowledge, I can attain the beneficiaries. The Congress is attempting to make welfare and growth attain the folks. With a caste census we are attempting to assist each individual. This 3.0 caste survey goes to vary every thing in India. Within the earlier authorities, they’ve given double-bedroom homes in Telangana, two lakh homes. You go and discover out — 90 per cent of BRS leaders, who’ve five-storey buildings, have gotten this welfare profit. How will the occasion justify this?
We wished to provide extra reservations to OBCs. This would be the sport changer for the nation. The Supreme Court docket has stated again and again that whenever you don’t have knowledge, how come you’re giving reservation for OBCs in native our bodies or somewhere else?
Till Modiji turned chief minister, he was a ahead caste. As soon as he turned CM, he turned a legally-converted OBC. Earlier than elections, Modiji stated he’s an OBC and ought to be made the Prime Minister. If one Modiji and one OBC turns into the prime minister of this nation, will the circumstances of each OBC change?
On the financial standing argument in opposition to caste census
Training, employment, social, financial and caste survey — 360 diploma knowledge is important. For those who take half, then somebody will contest that it’s not proper as a result of caste performs a key function in reservation. If you wish to give that reservation, then the caste needs to be detailed.
How lengthy earlier than now we have a primary minister from the Congress?
If Nitishji, Chandrababu Naiduji need it, then we will have a primary minister from the Congress in a yr.
A peaceable, high-turnout election in Kashmir, the place the BJP didn’t win, or an election in Haryana the place it gained. Which was an even bigger achievement for the BJP?
There are not any achievements for the BJP. There are some achievements for the Congress. In Himachal Pradesh, the place 95 per cent (of the inhabitants) is Hindu, the BJP performed the Hindu card however the Congress defeated them. In Kashmir, they didn’t belief them. In Haryana, they gained by probability.
The one factor that’s modified concerning the Telangana voter up to now 20 years, one factor that has stayed the identical, and the one factor that can change within the subsequent 20 years.
Telangana is thought for social justice and avenue fights. This can stay. However change is pure and energy has to switch. As a result of now we have given it to SC/ST first, now we’re prepared to provide it to OBCs. Within the subsequent 10-20 years, the OBC system shall be carried out within the nation.
As a former member of the ABVP, whenever you noticed the Ram temple (in Ayodhya) come up, how did you are feeling?
The Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam is large in Telangana. Being an ABVP employee, I felt very unhealthy that in 11 years, Modiji, Amit bhai have by no means come to Telangana to see the Ram mandir, which is our pleasure.
The one profit and one ache level of the cut up between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?
It’s a pure course of, it has advanced. There isn’t any ache in it. There are nonetheless some undecided elements. However it’s not proper to say one thing time and again. We’re dictating phrases to the entire world in IT and pharma sectors. If we will’t resolve our points, then what’s the use? Telangana has turned a state, that may be a pleased factor for us.
The one factor you admire about ABVP, TDP and Congress?
ABVP, dedication to the nation; TDP, dedication to growth and welfare; and Congress, social justice.
That one lesson different states and Congress items can study from Telangana’s success?
Energy sharing, revenue sharing.
That one lesson the central occasion management can study from Congress’s success in Telangana.
Caste census.
The following state that you simply assume is more likely to cut up.
I can’t say something however a minimum of three states ought to be made out of Uttar Pradesh. It’s lengthy due as a result of administration can be tough from 80 seats. Smaller states might be empowered politically and growth also can be reached.
For those who have been to launch an app, what could be essentially the most uncommon function of the Telangana CM’s personal app?
We now have to attach with the plenty. If folks wish to say something, they will put it there. Real points can come on to the dashboard, which might then be addressed. Know-how has developed a lot. Suppose international, work native.
For those who can decide a celeb from north India — Amitabh Bachchan, Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone — who would you decide?
None from them… Politically, folks will come to see them however they won’t vote. The voters are totally different. The mobilisers are totally different. Preserve these celebrities in entrance however join with your individual voice and folks will vote. For me, I’m the star campaigner.
Sarita Ahlawat
Managing Director & Co-founder, BotLab Dynamics
You spoke about rising Telangana and ability growth. do you see startups enjoying a job in that? Would you deal with an organization in another way If it labored with the earlier authorities?
now we have the T-Hub and Telangana has top-of-the-line insurance policies in India. Whoever desires to take a position or provoke their startups, our system is there. Our IT and industries minister Sridhar Babu is thought for that. The Congress has dominated the state for 50 years out of 70, so if one tries to search out the roots, it will be within the Congress. We’ll take a look at the proposal. We gained’t discriminate on the idea of which occasion they’ve labored with.
Y Kiron
CEO & Managing Director, Suchirindia
Your brainchild, Hyderabad future metropolis, is meant to be a sport changer for Telangana. How rapidly is that going to develop? Have you ever deliberate any coverage modifications within the industrial and tourism sector?
immediately, there are 4 points in my dictionary — one is future metropolis, different is the Musi River growth entrance, regional ring street and radial roads. These are my pet tasks as a result of Hyderabad has a great alternative to be urbanised to get investments. We’re transferring in direction of the Musi Rejuvenation Undertaking. We now have appointed a world marketing consultant for that and for the longer term metropolis…The Congress will get one other alternative in authorities. I’m going to develop these inside 10 years.
Leher Sethi
Director, One thing Artistic
The US has launched knowledge saying there may be 855 per cent enhance in asylum seekers to the US from India. Second, You stated the Congress ought to battle this election as Rahul Gandhi vs Modi. ought to there be a central determine? I felt Congress employees lack the fervour of BJP employees.
The reply to the primary query is ICE and NICE. ICE means Earnings Tax, CBI, ED. NICE means Narcotics, Earnings Tax, CBI, ED. Modiji has introduced this components and people who don’t have the ability to battle in opposition to it are leaving the nation… The principles of the sport have modified. To defeat them, it’s worthwhile to have the identical power, similar components.
R Venkataraman
Professor, ICFAI Enterprise Faculty
Hyderabad is the IT Capital however Have we been capable of entice substantial investments in sectors aside from IT?
Telugu persons are identified for IT and pharma.Three vaccines in India are from Telangana, Hyderabad-based. Now we’re specializing in tourism and infrastructure. We wish to create infrastructure and we wish funding in Telangana. That’s the reason Telangana is rising. That is our slogan. That is an alternative choice to the Gujarat mannequin. The Telangana mannequin will give area to everybody. Within the Gujarat mannequin, now we have to take everybody’s share and put it in Gujarat. So it’s counter to the Gujarat mannequin.
Harsh Shrivastava
Senior Advisor, Grant Thornton Bharat
What’s your political message from the Congress to the youth of the nation?
Within the Congress occasion, anybody can turn out to be something.If somebody places within the exhausting work, they’ll get alternatives. Every time the nation wants it, the Congress occasion will do every thing. Individuals complain that the political system is ruined. They need to enhance it by being part of the system. They need to take duty as a substitute of blaming others. They need to vote for the ideology that’s good for the nation. I gained the elections with the assistance of the youth. Within the final 10 months, I’ve given 50,000 authorities jobs. I’ve waived Rs 18,000 crore loans for farmers.
