Centre blocking Telangana’s growth, alleges minister Ponnam

Telangana BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar has accused the Centre of creating hurdles for the state's development, citing the denial of permission for chief minister A Revanth Reddy's proposed US visit. He said the trip was intended to attract investments and explore opportunities for education and the state's growth, and alleged that the refusal reflected the Centre's authoritarian attitude.

Ponnam urged the Centre to rise above political considerations and extend full cooperation, stressing that Telangana's progress would contribute to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat. He called for support for major infrastructure projects, including the Hyderabad Metro Rail and radial roads, and demanded adequate financial assistance and funds due to the state.

The minister challenged the BJP's state leadership to explain its silence on these issues and said the Congress government was ready to work with the Centre in the spirit of federalism. He warned that if the Centre refused to cooperate, the state would fight for its rights and questioned why neighbouring states were receiving more funds than Telangana.