Revanth Reddy to hold first meeting with PM Modi, Centre dues to TS main agenda

Hyderabad: Chief Minster A. Revanth Reddy will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday for the first time in his official capacity to discuss an array of issues, ranging from dues owed to Telangana to the government’s plans for the state.

Reddy’s visit, with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will also mark the first meeting between the Prime Minister and a Telangana state Chief Minister, after then CM K. Chandrashekar last met him on September 4, 2021, following which their relationship deteriorated amid a confrontation between the BJP and BRS in October 2021 for the Huzurabad bypoll.

Rao avoided Modi, who visited Hyderabad and Telangana multiple times since, deputing minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav to receive and send off the Prime Minister.

With the change of government in Telangana state, after Congress assumed office on December 7, Revanth Reddy has decided to urge Modi to release pending Central funds to Telangana.

Sources said that Reddy was unwell, suffering from fever and cough, for the past three days. While he was discharging duties, he was confined to his Jubilee Hills residence. After his condition improved on Monday, he decided to meet the Prime Minister, with an appointment being made for 4 pm on Tuesday, they said.

CMO sources said that Reddy will seek funds the Centre had to release to Telangana state under PM Awas Yojana, for the construction of Indiramma houses for the poor, funds for NREGA, panchayat raj and rural development schemes, and Central health mission schemes. Reddy will also seek the release of Finance Commission grants and arrears of centrally sponsored schemes.

After meeting Modi, Reddy is expected to meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary K.C. Venugopal, among others, to discuss the party’s preparedness for Lok Sabha polls.

He is also likely to bring up for discussion the issue of Cabinet expansion and filling up of nominated posts.

Upon his return from Delhi, Reddy will take part in a mega Congress rally in Nagpur on December 28, coinciding with the party's foundation day celebrations.