Giant Bapu Statue in Hyderabad Soon: CM

 Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced an ambitious plan to develop Bapu Ghat at Langar Houz into a global centre of Gandhian ideology. He said that Bapu Ghat, situated at the confluence of Isa and Musa rivers, would soon receive water from the Godavari river as part of the Musi rejuvenation project, creating a “Triveni sangamam”.

Alongside this natural transformation, a colossal statue of Mahatma Gandhi is planned at the site, which will be modelled on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue on the Narmada river in Gujarat.

Reddy pointed out that the state government’s project to enhance the prominence of Bapu Ghat had encountered opposition from the BRS and the BJP. He accused both parties of deliberate attempts to delay or block Bapu Ghat development and the Musi rejuvenation projects, even though they were crucial for Telangana's growth and identity.

"It would be developed as an international attraction embodying Gandhian principles, akin to the way the Sabarmati Riverfront honours Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in Gujarat. As successors of Mahatma Gandhi's ideology, we have a responsibility to develop Bapu Ghat on a global scale," he remarked, expressing disappointment that BJP leaders oppose the Musi project, while having previously supported riverfront projects like at the Sabarmati.

Addressing an event here on Friday, Reddy voiced criticism against the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that the southern states, particularly Telangana, have faced discrimination regarding tax allocations and will face discrimination even in the upcoming delimitation of constituencies. He said that the NDA government disproportionately directs resources and political advantages towards northern states at the expense of southern states.

"Congress has historically aimed for equal development across the country," Reddy said, emphasising that Congress’s legacy includes the appointment of southern leaders like Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In contrast, he asserted, the current BJP government has failed to balance leadership and resource allocation across regions.

According to Reddy, southern states contribute more to the national tax pool than they receive in return. He said that a rupee contributed to the Centre yields only 40 paise back to the south, while northern states receive significantly higher returns.

The Chief Minister questioned the tangible benefits of the Modi government’s policies, asking, “What revolutionary changes have been introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term? Who has truly benefited from his rule?”

He contended that the BJP regime has focused predominantly on consolidating political power rather than addressing issues critical to the farming community or public welfare. He further accused the BJP of stirring divisive sentiments between the northern and southern regions.

Revanth Reddy also criticised BRS leader K. Chandrashekar Rao, accusing him of neglecting democratic duties during his tenure as the chief minister. Rao’s lack of presence and engagement with the public reflected a disregard for democratic values. Flaying the “zamindar mentality”, he urged Rao to respect the democratic process and allow the Congress-led government to operate freely.

Revanth alleged that both the BJP and BRS have obstructed the government’s efforts to implement infrastructure projects like the Future City, RRR and various irrigation projects. He claimed that these parties are actively preventing the state from competing with Gujarat in terms of development.