In a thought-provoking statement from New Delhi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy publicly questioned the Union government’s policy, asking, “If the Union government can hold dialogue with Pakistan, then why not with the Maoists?” He passionately advocated for the Centre to initiate discussions with Maoist groups willing to lay down arms and integrate into society.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Reddy appealed for a more humane approach, asserting that “Killing individuals is not a solution.” His remarks follow reports of significant casualties, with over 400 individuals allegedly involved in Maoism being killed in Chhattisgarh since 2024 during joint operations by State police and central armed forces.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of encouraging those who wish to abandon violence and join the national fabric. He highlighted the recent surrender of Pothulla Padmavathi, also known as Sujatha, widow of the slain Politburo member Mallojula Koteshwary Rao alias Kishenji, to the Telangana Police as a testament to the potential for successful reintegration.
Reddy’s core argument was stark: “If the government can hold a dialogue with Pakistan, which promotes terrorism, then why can’t the government hold a dialogue with our own people?” He concurrently noted that while dialogue is crucial, any breaches of law and order must be addressed with serious consequences.
Urgent Calls for State Compensation and Resolution on Reservation Bills
Beyond the pressing issue of Maoist engagement, Chief Minister Reddy also addressed vital economic and social concerns. He stressed the imperative for all states to receive Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation for an additional five years, particularly in light of the overhauled GST regime. Telangana, he pointed out, faces an estimated annual loss of ₹7,000 crore due to the rationalization of GST slabs, and this financial impact requires federal compensation.
Regarding the Telangana Assembly Bills concerning reservations, which are awaiting the President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, the Chief Minister confirmed his government’s decision to await the Supreme Court’s judgment. This judgment pertains to a Presidential Reference on the precise role of Governors in approving bills passed by State legislatures. Last month, Mr. Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues held a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to draw national attention to these stalled legislative matters.
The Supreme Court recently concluded ten days of arguments on the Presidential Reference, which aims to clarify whether constitutional courts possess the authority to impose specific timelines for Governors and the President to grant assent to bills passed by State assemblies.