Latest news with #Revanth


Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt may advance local polls in Telangana amid early monsoon, kharif sowing
Hyderabad: With the monsoon arriving 15 days ahead of schedule and kharif sowing already underway, the Congress govt is considering advancing the panchayat elections , originally planned for the end of July. The elections, likely to be held in two phases, will be the first major political test for chief minister A Revanth Reddy after the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Sensing an opportunity to consolidate its rural base, the Congress is moving swiftly. It aims to cover all eligible farmers with Rythu Bharosa financial aid, clear pending gram panchayat bills, and roll out Rajiv Vikasam self-employment assistance to rural youth. The govt has already extended 21,000 crore in interest-free loans to women's self-help groups—primarily in rural areas—a key constituency in these elections. Though panchayat polls are technically non-party contests, they are fought fiercely along party lines. With 12,800 gram panchayats and over 1.2 lakh ward seats up for grabs, the Congress is keen to send a strong message to both the BJP and BRS by aiming to win 70–80% of the seats. A senior Congress leader said the party will support 42% of gram panchayat candidates from the BC community, in line with CM Revanth's promise made during the passage of the two bills providing 42% reservation for BCs in education, employment, and local bodies. "We will tell voters that the (Narendra) Modi govt is stalling the BC bills and highlight the BRS's internal rifts. Local-level alliances may be left to candidates depending on ground realities," the leader added. Under the Panchayat Raj Act, the State Election Commission requires formal consent from the state govt to conduct elections. This approval depends on the state govt's ability to provide adequate police deployment and logistical support to ensure free and fair elections. The Congress is also banking on organisational readiness. Party sources say the AICC is expected to finalise all new TPCC teams, including working presidents, vice-presidents, general secretaries, and campaign committee members, before the panchayat poll schedule is announced. Appointments at the district, block, mandal, and village levels are also in the pipeline. Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 crore in central grants under the Finance Commission has been withheld due to the absence of elected local bodies. Conducting these polls could unlock those funds, adding further urgency to the Congress's electoral push.


New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
How many Rafales did we lose in conflict with Pakistan: CM Revanth asks PM Modi
HYDERABAD: Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped military action against Pakistan after a threat from US President Donald Trump, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday demanded that the PM disclose how many Rafale jets were lost during the conflict. Addressing the gathering after participating in the Congress' Jai Hind Rally held from VNR Vignana Jyothi Engineering College to KGR Convention at Nizampet in Hyderabad in explicit solidarity with Indian armed forces and in support of Operation Sindoor, the chief minister questioned why the Union government did not organise an all-party meeting when it agreed to a ceasefire in the recent conflict with Pakistan. Revanth alleged that Modi had mortgaged the self-respect of 140 crore Indians to Trump. 'Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge attended the all-party meeting held prior to the conflict. They extended full support to the Centre. They also made it clear that India should fight Pakistan and annex PoK. But the Modi government called off the war in a hurry, just four days after the initial military strike on Pakistan. Why was another all-party meeting not held to seek opinions before declaring a ceasefire?' the CM asked the Union government. It takes a bold and determined leader to prepare for war, Revanth said, pointing to former PM Indira Gandhi's declaration of war on Pakistan and her stern warning to the neighbouring country.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Revanth questions ceasefire decision, slams Centre's handling of Op Sindoor
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA govt for failing to convene an all-party meeting before announcing a ceasefire with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor . He questioned the Centre's unilateral approach and accused it of lack of strategy, courage, and transparency in managing the recent military engagement. Addressing the Jai Hind rally, organised to honour the Indian armed forces' participation in Operation Sindoor, Revanth said: "When Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge attended the all-party meeting, they extended full support to the Centre and clearly stated that India must reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Yet, within four days of the strike, the govt abruptly announced a ceasefire. Why the haste? The country was left in the dark until US President Donald Trump revealed it on social media. " Lack of clarity Revanth questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the military operation and asked the Centre to disclose the impact of Pakistan's response. "How many Rafale jets did we lose? What exactly happened in those four days?" he asked, criticising the Modi govt for not being forthcoming. Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, he remarked: "Modi is like a demonetised ₹1,000 note. If Rahul Gandhi were Prime Minister, we would have reclaimed PoK by now." He drew parallels between Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, citing her bold leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when India's military campaign led to the creation of Bangladesh. "Indira Gandhi declared war on China and issued a stern warning to the US during the 1971 conflict. That's the kind of leadership India needs today," he said. 'Modi silent on China' The chief minister also criticised the Modi govt for its inaction against China, following the death of Indian Army Colonel B Santosh Babu during a confrontation with Chinese forces in 2020. "Why didn't the Prime Minister take any decisive action against China? Why no bold response, even after the sacrifice of our soldiers?" Revanth asked, suggesting that the current leadership lacked the resolve shown by Congress leaders in the past. 'Don't politicise patriotism' Turning his attention to the BJP's nationwide Tiranga rallies, Revanth questioned their intent. "Are these rallies really to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and our martyred soldiers—or just another political stunt? Patriotism is not your party's private property. It belongs to the entire nation," he said. He reiterated the Congress party's legacy of sacrifice, pointing out that the Gandhi family has paid with their lives in service to the nation. "The Congress has always stood for the country. We will work tirelessly until Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. In these difficult times, India needs a courageous, decisive leader like him."


New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Govrenment will lift all paddy, CM Revanth Reddy assures farmers
HYDERABAD: With the monsoon arriving 15 days early in Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday directed district collectors to prepare accordingly. The early rains have disrupted paddy procurement in some areas, leaving farmers worried. The chief minister assured the farmer community that his government would purchase the entire paddy crop. In a video conference with district collectors and ministers, Revanth reviewed paddy procurement, the Indiramma housing scheme, Bhu Bharati, agriculture and monsoon preparedness. He noted that the state has procured 64.50 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy this Rabi season, up from 42 LMT last year, with Rs 12,184 crore already paid to farmers. Stating that Telangana has produced 2.75 crore tonnes of paddy this year, the highest in the country, he praised the efforts of the Agriculture and Civil Supplies departments. Call for transparency However, the chief minister pointed to reports of protests in 12 districts over procurement delays and asked collectors to address issues at the field level. He called for transparency in procurement data and asked collectors to counter misinformation. Revanth also instructed officials to take extra godowns on rent if necessary and warned of strict action against millers or brokers harassing farmers. He said seeds and fertilisers are available, and collectors must ensure sufficient buffer stock. The CM ordered cases to be booked against those selling spurious seeds and suggested the appointment of a special officer in each district to oversee seed and fertiliser stocks.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
CM orders swift paddy procurement and monsoon preparedness
Hyderabad: With the monsoon arriving 15 days early, chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday directed senior officials and district collectors to expedite the remaining 10% of paddy procurement to avoid loss to farmers and disruption due to rains. He also urged officials to prevent any loss of life or property, and to control seasonal diseases and potential Covid-19 resurgence. Addressing a video-conference with ministers and collectors at the command control centre, Revanth congratulated the agriculture and civil supplies departments and farmers for a record paddy yield of 2.75 crore metric tonnes. He highlighted that the Congress govt had procured 21.5 lakh metric tonnes more than the previous year, crediting Rs 12,184 crore directly into farmers' accounts within 48 hours. So far, 64.5 lakh metric tonnes—90% of the season's yield—have been procured. "Ensure that every grain is collected. If needed, hire local godowns to prevent rain-related delays. Farmers must not suffer due to storage issues," he said. Revanth also addressed politically motivated misinformation campaigns, warning against false projections of farmer deaths as procurement-related suicides. "Such malicious claims should be countered effectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Here - 2025 Top Trend Local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo Book cases if necessary," he directed. Health readiness Anticipating heavy rains, the CM directed GHMC, police, traffic, electricity, and disaster response teams to stay alert. Due to early rains and a 29% rainfall surplus forecast, Revanth ordered timely availability of seeds and fertilisers. "Take strong action against black marketing and those selling spurious seeds. If needed, book habitual offenders under the PD Act," he said. District collectors must visit fields, raise farmer awareness, and appoint special officers to monitor stocks. Housing and land reforms Revanth asked officials to create awareness about the Bhu Bharati Act through public meetings, and to conduct the third phase of revenue sadassus (meetings) from June 3 to 20. On the Indiramma Indlu housing scheme, he said: "District collectors must oversee implementation. Mandal-level price control committees should monitor construction material costs." He directed in-charge ministers to tour districts on May 29–30 and submit reports by June 1.