Telangana CM Reddy Denies 'Kneeling Before PM Modi' Amid Opposition Attacks Over 'Frequent' Delhi Trips

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is in New Delhi on Tuesday (26 November) amid criticisms from the Opposition for his "frequent" trips. Defending himself, he asserted they were aimed at securing funds for the state and not for "kneeling before Prime Minister Modi like you do."

Speaking to the media on Monday, Reddy explained his latest visit to Delhi was primarily to attend the wedding of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s daughter, dismissing any political motivations, Indian Express reported.

"Some are counting my trips to Delhi and claiming they're for Cabinet expansion. Today’s visit has no political relevance," he stated. He added that discussions with Telangana’s MPs on key issues to be raised in Parliament were scheduled for the following day.

Reddy’s remarks come amid speculation that his Delhi visits are linked to Cabinet reshuffles and appointments in public sector corporations. Opposition leaders, including BRS working president KT Rama Rao, have alleged that Reddy has visited Delhi 23 times in 10 months without yielding tangible benefits for the state.

The CM reiterated that his trips were focused on securing approvals and funds owed to Telangana. Reddy said that he was going to "chalk out an action plan to get funds and permissions due to the state" and "meet Union ministers seeking the release of pending funds".

Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said, "Telangana has suffered a lot in the last 10 years. The BJP is not giving funds to the state from the party treasury, it’s given from the central government treasury. The government will get funds only when we go and meet the Union ministers without showing political bias."

Reddy is also expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to invite him to the inauguration of the Telangana Thalli statue at the state secretariat on 9 December, marking the one-year anniversary of his government. He already met his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to congratulate her for winning in Wayanad bypoll.