We can’t become second-grade citizens in India due to Centre’s policies: Revanth Reddy
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy cautioned that India’s federal balance and governance outcomes will determine whether citizens, particularly in southern states, are treated as
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy cautioned that India’s federal balance and governance outcomes will determine whether citizens, particularly in southern states, are treated as equal stakeholders or reduced to “second-grade citizens.” In a conversation with The Hindu Group Director N. Ram at the two-day The Hindu Huddle in Bengaluru on “By, for, and of the people: Good governance for Telangana”, the Chief Minister said southern states would not accept an imbalance in political power distribution. The BJP, he said was trying to hard to widen this gap through the delimitation process, and cleverly linking it to women’s reservation to hide the core issue. Congress is ready for the women’s reservation bill even now if it were the primary intention. Also read: Click here to see our live updates from Day 2 of The Hindu Huddle He credited the Congress party with a historic role in women’s empowerment and said women have consistently played a crucial part in landmark political and social transformations in the country. Indira Gandhi, as Iron lady liberated Bangladesh from Pakistan, and Sonia Gandhi courageously took a decision on separate Telangana.
During a wide-ranging conversation, the Chief Minister highlighted that Telangana is positioning itself as a global investment destination and not limiting its competitiveness to neighbouring states. “We are not competing with Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh. We are competing with China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany,” he said, adding that his approach follows a “China+1” strategy to attract global investments. The Chief Minister said he actively studies international best practices and is open to learning from multiple sources, including officials on the ground. He plans to visit China and learn the best practices to be implemented by Telangana as it shapes itself into ‘China+1” destination. He also referenced his participation in a short course at Harvard University, saying exposure to global systems helps refine policy thinking. Positioning himself as a public servant rather than a ruler, the Chief Minister said governance must remain people-centric. “Whoever gets power thinks they are rulers. I believe I am an elected public servant,” he said, identifying youth, farmers, and women as the key pillars of society. Explaining his administrative approach, the Chief Minister said decision-making in his government is “mixed,” combining bureaucratic inputs, field-level insights, media feedback, and public opinion.
The BriefWire