Centre Must Cooperate with Telangana’s Development: Ponnam

“If Telangana develops, the country will develop. If the Prime Minister’s goal of Viksit Bharat is to be fulfilled, every state must develop,” he said while interacting with media persons in Husnabad.

With an intention that Telangana should also be a key partner in Viksit Bharat, the state government is moving forward with the Telangana Rising 2047 goal and the Centre’s support is also necessary in this regard. However, creating obstacles is not right, he said.

“Even though the Congress party is in power in Telangana, we are ready to work together with the Centre on the development of the country. Our goal is to bring investments to Telangana, introduce Telangana’s capabilities to the world at various international conferences, and achieve inclusive development by bringing all sections together,” he explained.

However, it is unfortunate that when the Chief Minister wanted to undertake foreign tours to the US and London in the interest of the State, the Central government denied permission.

“Does the Chief Minister not even have the right to go abroad to bring investments for the interests of the state?” he asked. The Centre should cooperate on projects, funds, and infrastructure that are due to Telangana.

Along with key projects such as metro rail, outer ring roads, and internal radial ring roads, the Centre should provide support for other projects necessary for the state’s development.

The Centre should also act positively regarding the financial assistance and funds that Telangana is rightfully entitled to. Instead of a policy of troubling the state government over petty issues, it should act in the spirit of federalism that supports the development of the states.

“We are ready to work with the Centre beyond politics for the interests of the state. We have no objection to discuss with the Central government about the funds, projects, and permissions that are due to the state,” he said.

“But if the Centre refuses to provide assistance, we will certainly question it in the interests of Telangana,” the Minister said, adding that Telangana should emerge as the leading state in the country. Despite being a small state, it should be at the forefront of development.

“We request the Central government also to cooperate with Telangana’s development beyond politics. Similarly, we also request the Telangana BJP leadership to strive for the development of the State by bringing funds and projects to the State,” he said.

“You (BJP leaders) may be united or not, that is your choice. But take the lead in bringing funds and projects from the Centre When funds are being given to neighboring states, why are funds not being given to us?” he asked.

“How much are we giving from the southern states? How much are you giving back? You should take a look at this once,” he said.

“Only when we all work together beyond politics on Telangana’s development, our goals of Telangana Rising and Viksit Bharat will be achieved,” he added.