Telangana CM Revanth Reddy challenged Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to see the implementation of his 'six guarantees'. Releasing the UDF manifesto in Kochi, he called Vijayan and PM Modi 'Modi Brothers', alleging corruption and incompetence.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday challenged opposition parties to visit his state and witness the successful implementation of the six guarantees by the Congress government. He made these remarks while releasing the United Democratic Front (UDF) manifesto for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections here.
'Modi Brothers': Reddy Slams Vijayan, Modi
Taking a swipe at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Reddy referred to them as "Modi Brothers", drawing parallels between their tenures and alleging unbridled corruption, administrative incompetence, and despotic rule.
"I would personally demonstrate to CM Vijayan and his ministers how the guarantees have been implemented in a true spirit if the Kerala CM delegation visits Telangana," Revanth Reddy said.
Releasing the UDF manifesto, the Telangana CM declared that the "dark era" of Vijayan had come to an end and expressed confidence that a "Golden era" under the UDF was about to begin. Indirectly raising the Sabarimala gold controversy, the CM alleged that even God's own property was lacking protection in the "God's Own Country".
Revanth Reddy noted that Pinarayi Vijayan has been in power in Kerala for the past ten years, much in the same way that KCR ruled Telangana for a decade between 2014 and 2023. The Chief Minister drew parallels between the Vijayan and KCR governments with unbridled corruption, administrative incompetence and despotic rule. Reddy asserted that a transformative change, similar to what Telangana has been witnessing since 2023, is poised to take place in Kerala soon. The CM exuded confidence that Keralam people would oust the Pinarayi Vijayan government from power.
Responding to questions from the reporters, Reddy said "Po Mone Vijaya" (Go away, Vijayan) and clarified that Vijayan is a political adversary.
Telangana's Guarantees as a Role Model
Reddy stressed that eradicating corruption, curbing depletion of state revenue, optimum utilisation of funds under the central government schemes and securing funds due to the state are also the top priorities of the UDF in the elections. The Telangana CM further stated that the UDF would educate people about the funds provided by the Central government, which are not merely an act of benevolence on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but rather a rightful entitlement of the people. Reddy remarked that the UDF is a coalition of workers and that the alliance comprises leaders of integrity.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that some political forces expressed doubts regarding the feasibility of implementing the UDF's guarantees in Kerala, and said that Telangana stands as a role model and the definitive answer to such criticism. He recalled that immediately upon assuming power in Telangana, the Congress government began successfully implementing the guarantees right from the very first cabinet meeting.
The Congress government in Telangana waived farm loans amounting to Rs 21,000 crore, benefiting 25 lakh farming families, he said.
Under the 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme, the government is providing financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per acre to farmers, totalling an annual outlay of Rs 18,000 crore. The government also filled 67,173 government vacancies and handed over appointment letters to selected candidates in public meetings, Reddy added.
The Chief Minister highlighted that through the 'Mahalakshmi' scheme, free bus travel facilities have been extended to women, and the RTC, with 10,000 buses and 50,000 employees, has been successfully steered from a state of loss into profitability. The free bus travel facility results in monthly savings of Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 for women.
"The Telangana government is also providing up to 200 units of free electricity and has sanctioned 4,50,000 'Indiramma' houses, allocating Rs 5 lakh for the construction of each home," he said. Reddy said that gas cylinders for just Rs 500 are currently being implemented and that a slew of women empowerment schemes have already been launched, making women bus owners and entrepreneurs.
Telangana's Economic Vision
Citing the 'Telangana Rising Vision Document - 2047,' the Chief Minister said that Telangana would achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047. Without increasing taxes, the Telangana state is on a development trajectory with a growth rate of 10.8 per cent.
UDF Manifesto for Kerala
The UDF manifesto, released under the Congress-led alliance for the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, features "Indira's Five Guarantees" - free travel for women on KSRTC buses, monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for female college students, an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, health insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh per family named after former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for youth pursuing self-employment. In addition to these five guarantees, the manifesto includes promises regarding five "Dream Projects" related to the maritime and aviation sectors, as well as the establishment of a Tribal University in Wayanad.
KPCC President Sunny Joseph, Kerala CLP Leader V D Satheesan, AICC General Secretary Deep Das Munshi, UDF Convener Adoor Prakash, IUML National General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty, and others were present at the event. (ANI)
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