Ponnam Urges Central Government to Support Telangana's Development

Hyderabad, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Hyderabad: BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has accused the Central government of authoritarianism for denying permission to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's foreign tour aimed at the state's development. He stated that if Telangana develops, the country will also prosper, emphasizing the need for every state to contribute to the Prime Minister's vision of a Viksit Bharat. The concept of Viksit Bharat, or Developed India, is a significant part of the current government's agenda, aiming for comprehensive growth across various sectors and regions in the country.

Ponnam made these remarks while addressing the media in Husnabad, highlighting that the Telangana government is committed to the Telangana Rising 2047 initiative and requires the Centre's support for its success. This initiative is a long-term vision aiming to transform Telangana into a leading state by the year 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India's independence. The focus is on sustainable development, innovation, and inclusivity, which are critical for the state's growth trajectory.

He criticized the Central government for creating obstacles instead of facilitating progress. The dynamics between state and central governments in India often involve complex negotiations over resources, permissions, and support for development projects. Ponnam's remarks reflect a growing frustration among state leaders who feel that their efforts to foster local development are being undermined by bureaucratic hurdles at the national level.

“Although the Congress party governs Telangana, we are willing to collaborate with the Centre for the nation's development. Our objective is to attract investments to Telangana, showcase the state's capabilities at international conferences, and achieve inclusive development,” he explained. This statement underscores the dual challenge faced by Telangana: balancing political affiliations while striving for economic growth and development. The state has been proactive in promoting itself as an investment destination, particularly in sectors like information technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Ponnam expressed disappointment over the Centre's refusal to allow the Chief Minister to travel abroad for investment opportunities, questioning whether the Chief Minister lacks the right to seek investments for the state's benefit. This situation raises questions about the autonomy of state leaders and their ability to engage with global markets, which is increasingly vital in today's interconnected economy. The ability to attract foreign investment is crucial for states like Telangana, which are looking to boost their economic profiles and create jobs.

Ponnam urged the Centre to cooperate on essential projects, including metro rail and road infrastructure, and to provide the financial assistance that Telangana is entitled to. Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of economic growth, and the need for improved connectivity within and beyond the state is critical for both commerce and the daily lives of citizens. He criticized the Centre's approach of complicating matters instead of fostering a spirit of federalism that supports state development. This critique highlights ongoing tensions in India's federal structure, where states often feel marginalized in favor of a more centralized approach to governance.

“We are prepared to work with the Centre beyond political lines for the state's interests. We have no objections to discussing funds, projects, and permissions due to Telangana,” he stated. However, he warned that if the Centre continues to withhold assistance, they would question it in the interest of Telangana. The call for cooperation reflects a broader desire among state leaders to transcend partisan politics in favor of pragmatic solutions that benefit their constituents.

Ponnam reiterated the need for Telangana to emerge as a leading state in the country, despite its smaller size, and called for unity among political leaders to prioritize the state's development. The emphasis on unity is particularly relevant in the context of India's diverse political landscape, where regional parties often have different priorities and agendas that can complicate collaborative efforts.

“We request the Central government to support Telangana's development beyond politics. We also urge the Telangana BJP leadership to work towards bringing funds and projects to the state,” he added. He challenged BJP leaders to take the initiative in securing resources for Telangana, questioning the disparity in funding compared to neighboring states. This point raises an important discussion about equitable resource distribution among states, particularly in regions where economic disparities exist.

“When funds are allocated to neighboring states, why are we not receiving our fair share? We need to reflect on this,” he remarked. This inquiry not only underscores the frustrations felt by Telangana's leadership but also invites a broader examination of how federal funds are allocated across India, which can often seem arbitrary or politically motivated. Ponnam concluded by emphasizing that collective efforts beyond political affiliations are essential for achieving the goals of Telangana Rising and Viksit Bharat. The pursuit of development is a shared responsibility, and leaders across the political spectrum must work together to realize the potential of Telangana and contribute to the overarching vision of a developed India.