Latest news with #Uttam
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Hiding facts doesn't help national security, says Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy
HYDERABAD: Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, an Indian Air Force veteran, on Saturday demanded transparency from the Centre regarding the losses suffered during Operation Sindoor, particularly the alleged downing of Rafale jets. He said while the nation is proud of the armed forces and their devastating impact on Pakistan, the government must inform citizens about any losses. Speaking from the Congress party headquarters, Uttam highlighted concerns raised by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and CDS General Anil Chauhan regarding delays in aircraft supply, talent shortages, and operational gaps. 'Most firing happened within international borders, yet we lost fighter aircraft. This demands a serious reassessment of our defence capabilities,' he said. The minister praised the Air Force's role in the operation, calling it a 'decisive victory,' but pointed out that India has only 31 operational fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, compromising national security amid threats from China and Pakistan. Criticising the BJP for branding Rahul Gandhi as 'anti-national' for seeking clarity on Rafale losses, Uttam said, 'Now even the Chief of Defence Staff has confirmed that IAF jets were brought down. In a democracy, accountability and transparency are essential.' He further criticised Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for delays in supplying Tejas Mark-1A jets, pointing out that despite the Air Force's need for 35–40 aircraft annually, HAL has struggled to meet its target of 24 jets per year. He cited the Air Chief's concerns about 'unrealistic deadlines and flawed contracts' that weaken institutional trust. 'We must learn from our losses. Hiding facts does not help national security,' he stated.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttam demands transparency on ‘Rafale losses'
Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday demanded full transparency from the Centre regarding the losses suffered during Operation Sindoor and the conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly the reported downing of . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing a media conference at AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Uttam, a former IAF fighter pilot himself, said: "When Rahul Gandhi first raised questions on Rafales being shot down, he was accused of being anti-national. But today, General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has confirmed that Rafale aircraft were brought down." He also cited Air Marshal Bharti, Director General Air Operations, who in the DGMO briefing had said: "Losses are normal in combat. The objectives of the mission have been achieved and all pilots have come home." Uttam emphasised that while the pilots returned safely, "the aircraft have not returned to their bases," highlighting the need for transparency. He criticised the BJP govt for initially denying these losses and launching a campaign against Rahul Gandhi. "Now that the CDS himself has spoken, the govt should stop the denials. We are proud of our armed forces, but transparency strengthens trust and helps us learn from every operation. How did the US President announce the ceasefire before the DGMOs of India and Pakistan? The govt of India has never clearly explained how this happened. " He stressed the need for a serious reassessment of India's defence technology, pointing out that most of the firing during the four-day operation happened from within each country's international borders. "Yet, we lost fighter aircraft. This requires a thorough review of our technological capabilities," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The BJP-led govt at the centre should act urgently on the concerns raised by the air force chief about delays in fighter aircraft supply, talent shortages, and the gap between sanctioned and operational squadrons in the armed forces. India's operational fighter squadrons were below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. All three armed forces are short of manpower by over 10 percent. Given the live threats on both our borders (China and Pakistan), we should be going beyond the sanctioned strength. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) did not deliver the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets on time as said by the Air Chief. This can prove to be a serious problem. The entire country and the govt of India must wake up to the reality to strengthen our armed forces considerably," Uttam said. Quoting the Air Chief Marshal directly, Uttam said: "India has fallen behind China in defence technology and production although our training standards remain superior. This is of serious concern and urgent necessary corrective steps should be taken. The best minds are not joining the service in sufficient numbers, especially in operational and R&D wings. The govt should attract top talent." Uttam reaffirmed his pride in the Indian armed forces while urging the govt to ensure they are equipped, supported, and respected with honesty and transparency. The govt must acknowledge what happened, learn lessons, and be accountable. "We salute the for their decisive victory, but we must be prepared for the challenges ahead," he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Telangana govt spent Rs 10,665 cr on fine rice: Uttam
1 2 Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday said the Congress govt has spent Rs 10,665 crore to provide quality fine rice to 89.90 lakh ration card holders, benefiting 2.81 crore people across the state. He described the initiative as a historic measure to ensure food security for the poor in Telangana. "Under the Congress govt, every beneficiary now receives six kg of fine rice free of cost. The state has achieved a record paddy procurement, marking the highest level of procurement in Telangana's 11-year history, even surpassing figures during the period of undivided Andhra Pradesh," the minister said. "In the last Kharif season, farmers cultivated paddy in 46.7 lakh acres and produced a record 1.03 crore tonnes. For the Yasangi season, cultivation extended to nearly 60 lakh acres, with an expected yield of 1.30 crore tonnes. The govt will ensure that every eligible family in Telangana receives ration card," he said. On irrigation projects, Uttam issued a strong directive to officials to expedite all land acquisition and forest clearance processes related to irrigation projects. He assured farmers that he would personally oversee the process to ensure fair compensation for their land. "For 45 years, no govt undertook desilting or de-sedimentation of SRSP, which has become heavily silted and unable to store water at its full capacity. The Congress govt has now launched a comprehensive desilting and de-sedimentation programme for major irrigation projects, including SRSP and Nagarjuna Sagar, to restore their water-holding capacity and ensure farmers receive the water they need," he added.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttam questions BRS leaders reluctance to face Kaleshwaram probe
1 2 Hyderabad: Questioning why the BRS chief, K Chandrasekhar Rao, and ex-minister, T Harish Rao, were afraid of a judicial probe into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), Telangana irrigation minister, N Uttam Kumar Reddy , said if they (BRS leaders) believe and are confident the Kaleshwaram project was an engineering marvel, why don't they cooperate with the one-man commission that is probing the sinking of the Medigadda barrage and other issues in Kaleshwaram barrages. "Ever since Justice (retd) PC Ghose's one-man commission served notices to both KCR and Harish Rao, the BRS leadership has been running a propaganda campaign instead of cooperating. If they have confidence in the project, why don't they appear before the Commission and make their case? KTR should be renamed 'Goebbels Rao' for the way he is spreading misinformation and attacking institutions," Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said at a press conference. He addressed the press conference along with another minister, Seethakka, at the secretariat on Friday. He clarified that the one-man commission was an independent, legally constituted body, established to investigate alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project's planning, execution, and financial management. "This is not a political tool. Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appeared before a commission. If KCR and Harish Rao are clean, they should not fear a notice. But the moment the notices arrived, they began issuing derogatory statements against the Congress govt and the Commission," he said. Uttam condemned BRS leaders for "disparaging a judicial process" and warned that deliberate attempts to undermine the Commission's credibility could have legal consequences. "You cannot insult an institution simply because you've been asked to respond to questions about the Kaleshwaram project. The law will take its course," he said. Referring to recent remarks by BRS leaders about sabotage at the Medigadda barrage, Uttam questioned their motives. "You were in govt when the FIR was filed. Why didn't you bring up this 'bomb' theory then? Why now? Are you trying to escape the judicial process by creating sensational diversions?" he asked. "If you have such evidence, submit it to the Commission instead of shouting from rooftops." Uttam reminded that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) labelled the project a 'white elephant' and that the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) raised serious objections to its detailed project report (DPR), redesign, and construction quality. The minister said the state govt was exploring ways to revive and repurpose the Kaleshwaram project, though the task is daunting. "We are making non-political, fact-based efforts to salvage what we can. But the foundations are defective. Every test report exposes the fraud. This is why BRS leaders are panicking—not because of politics, but because the truth is catching up." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Uttam's poser to BRS leaders: Why are you scared of judicial probe if KLIS was a marvel
Hyderabad: State Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), questioning why its leaders, including former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao were afraid of a judicial probe into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) if they genuinely believed it was a 'marvelous engineering achievement'. Addressing the press, Uttam Kumar Reddy said, 'Ever since the Judicial Commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice PC Ghose served notices, the BRS leadership has been running a propaganda campaign instead of cooperating. If they have confidence in the project, why don't they appear before the Commission and make their case? KTR should be renamed 'Goebbels Rao' for the way he is spreading misinformation and attacking institutions.' Uttam condemned BRS leaders for 'disparaging a judicial process' and warned that deliberate attempts to undermine the Commission's credibility could have legal consequences. 'You cannot insult an institution simply because you've been asked to respond to questions about the Kaleshwaram project. The law will take its course,' he asserted. Referring to recent remarks by BRS leaders about sabotage at the Medigadda barrage, Uttam questioned their motives. 'You were in government when the FIR was filed. Why didn't you bring up this 'bomb' theory then? Why now? Are you trying to escape the judicial process by creating sensational diversions?' he asked. 'If you have such evidence, submit it to the Commission instead of shouting from rooftops.' He also said that the Congress government was exploring ways to revive and repurpose the Kaleshwaram project, though the task is daunting. 'We are making non-political, fact-based efforts to salvage what we can. But the foundations are defective. Every test report exposes the fraud. This is why BRS leaders are panicking – not because of politics, but because the truth is catching up.'
