On Friday, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy delivered a strong message to the renowned infrastructure firm L&T, stating unequivocally that his state’s government would not be swayed by corporate or political pressure. This declaration comes amidst an ongoing dispute, where L&T is reportedly considering withdrawing from Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) operations due to alleged financial losses.
Addressing reporters informally in New Delhi, Reddy suggested that L&T’s recent actions, which have been leaked to the media, are linked to its perceived close ties with former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao. “L&T may favor KCR and KTR, but they cannot disregard the state government,” Reddy emphasized, stressing that the company must align with the government’s priorities.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the future of the Hyderabad Metro project rests solely with the state. He questioned the necessity of L&T’s approval for metro expansion and dismissed the company’s claims of losses as a justification for withdrawing or seeking compensation. Reddy pointedly asked why the public should bear the burden of what he termed “losses incurred under KCR’s tenure.”
Union Minister Kishan Reddy Accused of Aligning with BRS
Shifting his focus, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy of consistently following the agenda set by KTR. “Kishan Reddy makes no decision without consulting KTR; his every move appears to be dictated,” Reddy charged, highlighting what he perceives as a political alliance.
Reddy further alleged a deliberate restriction of urea supply by the Central government, claiming it was orchestrated at the behest of the BRS. He contended that this was part of a deal where the BRS would not support the INDI alliance candidate, Justice Sudershan Reddy, in the Vice President elections. “Farmers in Telangana require 9 lakh Metric Tonnes of urea, yet the Centre dispatched only 7 lakh MTs. This deficit stems not from state inefficiencies, but from the Centre’s political maneuvering in collaboration with the BRS,” he asserted.
Continuing his critique of the Union Minister, Reddy questioned the status of the CBI inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project. He reminded the public of Kishan Reddy’s earlier promises to initiate a CBI investigation within two days, noting that weeks had passed since the state government formally requested the probe. He argued that both the BJP and BRS are deflecting from the crucial issue of accountability in project execution.
Regarding the upcoming local body elections, the Chief Minister clarified that polls would only proceed once the President approves the bills related to BC reservations. “We have no alternative but to await approval, and we are currently consulting with legal experts on this matter,” he explained.