ONOE Is BJP’s Attempt To Undermine India’s Federal Structure: CM Revanth Reddy
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday strongly opposed the BJP's push for the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE), alleging that it was an attempt to assert BJP's dominance and undermine India's federal structure.
"The BJP is trying to dilute the concept of federalism under the ONOE guise. This is an attack on the spirit of the union of states and must be repelled. Yechury’s absence at this crucial juncture is not just a loss to the Left parties but to the entire nation, especially when forces are challenging our federal structure."
He was speaking at a condolence meeting held at Ravindra Bharathi in memory of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away recently.
Addressing the gathering, he said that Yechury, known for his dedication to protecting democracy and federalism, would have been a guiding force in resisting such moves. "He will be missed at this critical juncture when the BJP and its allies are posing a serious threat to the unity and diversity of India in the name of power," he added.
Revanth Reddy praised Yechury’s role in building coalitions to safeguard democracy, despite ideological differences. He drew parallels between Yechury and Congress stalwart S. Jaipal Reddy, both of whom, he said, stood firm on their principles all through their lives.
"Yechury did not pursue power for personal gains. He fought for the rights of the poor, and his family’s decision to donate his body is commendable," Revanth Reddy said.
He also recalled Yechury’s pivotal role in passing significant legislations such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the Food Security Act, all of which were central to UPA-1 and UPA-2 governments.
"These key reforms, which brought transparency and accountability in governance, were made possible due to the unity forged between Congress and CPM, in which Yechury played a crucial role," he said.
The Chief Minister took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not taking action against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for his derogatory remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
"A Union Minister speaking such language is a clear indication of the BJP’s fascist tendencies. This kind of behaviour is detrimental to the spirit of democracy," he stated.
He expressed concern at the dwindling number of Telugu leaders in national politics. He said that Yechury could have been a guiding light for upcoming Telugu leaders.
Sat the same event, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao lauded Yechury’s lifelong dedication to communism and his principled stance against authoritarianism.
"At a time when political leaders switched sides for power, Yechury lived and died a true communist, standing by the people and winning their hearts," Rao remarked.
CPM politburo member B.V. Raghavulu recalled Yechury’s belief in federalism, secularism and social justice as the pillars of Indian democracy. He warned that the present rulers were a threat to these principles.
Leaders recall Yechury’s efforts to save Indian democracy.
