PM Modi Violated Gentleman's Agreement Between North And South India: Revanth Reddy

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accused PM Modi of dividing North and South India by violating a "Gentleman's Agreement" over India's Presidency.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating a "Gentleman's Agreement" between North and South India. Speaking at the ABP Southern Rising Summit 2024, Revanth Reddy also accused the PM of trying to break Opposition parties. He questioned PM Modi on his policies. He said whatever policies are there were built on those already established by the Congress. 

"You have become the Prime Minister for the third time. It's good for you and your party. But what revolution have you brought to the country? You are busy preparing for one after another election. But what have you done for the people," Revanth Reddy asked. He said: "You tried to break every party; you tried to win polls through emotive issues," he said.

Revanth Reddy alleged: "The government brought black farm laws, gave unemployment, and tried to divide the country into north & south." He said whenever Congress has been in power, the party established a tradition of electing a President from South India if the PM was from the North. "That is why there have been so many Presidents from South India like Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and APJ Abdul Kalam. That was a Gentleman's Agreement between the North and the South. But you have refused to give anything to the South... You only gave hatred."

He said that it was due to the efforts of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi that India could advance through the decades by leaps and bounds. "After Independence people were wondering what would happen to 'roti, kapda, aur makaan (food, clothing, and shelter)'... Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru brought about a revolution in the fields of education and agriculture," Revanth Reddy said.

'Centre's Bias Towards North Unfair': Revanth Reddy

He alleged the Centre of being biased towards the norther states of India. "For every Rupee we give in tax to the Centre, we get back only 40 paise. But for every Rupee Uttar Pradesh spends on tax, it gets back Rs 7; Bihar gets Rs 6," Revanth Reddy said. Southern states pay way more tax than those in the north but get nothing in return.

'Centre Impeding Telangana Projects': Revanth Reddy

Reddy said the South implemented whatever policy decisions the Centre has taken. "But the Government is punishing instead of appreciating South India because PM Narendra Modi is from North India and belongs to Gujarat. I ask Narendra Modi if you can give Gujarat GIFT City, Bullet Trains, semiconductor industry, why not the South?"

He alleged that the Centre was putting up obstructions in the way of development projects in Telangana because the state would be able to compete with Gujarat if the state developed. "Anyone who tries to compete with Gujarat is cornered by the Centre" he said. He said the Congress backs the BJP in states where it is in the Opposition, but the saffron party only destroys.

Revanth Reddy Praises Former PMs

Jawaharlal Nehru tied India's culture with agriculture to develop India, Revanth Reddy said. "Dams such as Bhakra Nangal, Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Sriram Sagar were possible due to the efforts of Jawaharlal Nehru. The educational reforms brought about by him made it possible for our country's youth to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists," Revanth Reddy said.

He also praised Indira Gandhi for her efforts to bring about a green revolution and nationalise banks in India. Revanth Reddy further hailed former PM Rajiv Gandhi for his digital and telecom revolution and the reforms in electoral policies. He mentioned: "PV Narasimha Rao brought about financial and infra revolution even in the remote places," he said.