Date: April 14, 2025
Modi Slams Revanth Government Over 400-Acre Forest Clearance
Modi Breaks Silence on Telangana’s HCU Forest Deforestation Drive
For the first time since the controversial Hyderabad Central University (HCU) deforestation drive began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly addressed the issue. Speaking at a public rally in Haryana, Modi strongly condemned the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of ignoring its electoral promises while harming the forest.
PM Modi’s Criticism of Congress and Revanth Reddy
While Modi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had maintained relatively cordial ties over the past 16 months, political tensions surfaced during Modi’s recent speech.
“The Congress government in Telangana has failed to fulfill any of its promises. Instead, they’ve run bulldozers into lush green forests—400 acres gone in Hyderabad!” — PM Modi
His comments referred to the controversial clearance of forest land at HCU, which had sparked national outrage and protests from environmental activists.
A Turning Point in Modi-Revanth Relationship?
Revanth Reddy, despite belonging to the Congress party, had maintained an open communication channel with the BJP-led Centre, especially regarding Telangana’s developmental needs. However, this recent criticism suggests a shift in tone.
By citing Telangana’s deforestation case during a rally in another state, Modi signaled that the issue is not just a state-level controversy but now a national political talking point.
Environmental Backlash and Political Fallout
The 400-acre deforestation near HCU has been widely criticized by environmental groups, students, and opposition parties. Many are questioning the lack of transparency and urgency behind the drive, especially since it contradicts environmental conservation policies.
Now, with the Prime Minister himself joining the criticism, the Revanth Reddy-led government is likely to face increased scrutiny—not only from local activists but also from the national political ecosystem.
Conclusion: National Spotlight on Telangana’s Forest Policy
With Prime Minister Modi’s statement, the HCU deforestation issue has moved to center stage in national politics. The Telangana government must now respond not just to environmentalists but also to political backlash from the Centre. This could become a defining moment in Telangana’s current governance narrative.