Date: February 06, 2025
Renuka Chowdhury Criticizes BJP Government for Discriminating
Renuka Chowdhury Criticizes BJP Government for Discriminating Against Telugu States
Renuka Chowdhury, a firebrand Congress MP from Telangana, has raised her voice in the Rajya Sabha against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for allegedly discriminating against the southern states, particularly the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In her strong address to the Rajya Sabha, Renuka Chowdhury highlighted the lack of support from the central government towards southern states, especially in the aftermath of the Wayanad landslide and floods in Kerala. Despite the severe damage caused by natural disasters, Chowdhury pointed out that the government did not provide adequate assistance to the affected regions. She questioned whether the lack of BJP presence in southern states was the reason for this perceived discrimination.
Unkept Promises to Telugu States
Chowdhury did not hesitate to criticize the BJP for not fulfilling its promises made during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the formation of Telangana. She reminded the house that on February 14, 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, several assurances were made to both states. However, even after more than a decade, many of these promises remain unfulfilled. Chowdhury specifically pointed to the Khammam district, where several critical projects, including a Steel Plant and Tribal University, were promised but never materialized.
Among the other unkept promises were the establishment of a Central Horticultural University and the granting of national status to the Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Project. Additionally, two NTPC power units promised for Ramagundam in Peddapalli district, but these too remain unfulfilled.
Renuka Chowdhury: Disappointment Over Inaction
Chowdhury also expressed her disappointment over the government’s failure to act on decisions made in Parliament, stressing that the Telugu states were not asking for any special privileges but were simply demanding their rights. She emphasized that the central government had no reason to ignore their justified demands, stating, “We are not begging for anything or a share in the family assets or personal property. It is our right and we have to get it.”
Telangana’s Contribution to the Nation
One of the key points raised by Renuka Chowdhury was the financial contribution of Telangana to the nation. She pointed out that Telangana contributes nearly 4.5% of India’s total GDP. Despite this, she criticized the government for barely returning 0.4 paise for every rupee Telangana contributes through taxes. She ridiculed the BJP government’s claims of progress, stating, “Hamara Prayaas aur Aapka Vikas” (Our Effort, Your Development), a statement reflecting her discontent with the central government’s treatment of the state.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
Renuka Chowdhury’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha serve as a powerful reminder of the unkept promises made by the central government to the Telugu states. Her bold statements and questions about the BJP’s failure to fulfill its commitments resonate with the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, who continue to wait for the justice they promised during the bifurcation. With her call for fairness and accountability, Chowdhury has once again placed the spotlight on the government’s neglect of southern states.