Hyderabad: Hyderabad witnessed a politically significant yet development-focused event on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an open invitation to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to work closely with the Centre for the rapid development of the state, while inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth nearly Rs 9,400 crore.
Addressing a large gathering after launching multiple infrastructure and development initiatives in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of cooperative federalism and stressed that the progress of Bharat depends on the growth of its states.
“The country will develop only when states develop. If Telangana progresses, Bharat too will progress,” Modi said, assuring the state government of complete cooperation from the Centre in taking Telangana forward on the path of development and economic growth.
The event, attended by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, along with senior officials and public representatives, turned noteworthy not merely for the scale of the projects announced but also for the warm exchange between the Prime Minister and the Telangana Chief Minister.
Revanth Reddy Seeks Gujarat-Like Support
In his address, Revanth Reddy maintained that he would avoid political remarks and focus purely on development issues concerning Telangana. However, while making a case for greater central assistance to the state, he invoked a historical political comparison.
The Chief Minister recalled how former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had extended support to Gujarat during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of that state. Revanth Reddy said Telangana now expected similar cooperation and encouragement from the present Prime Minister.
“My friends, Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, often say that Modi ji has a very large heart. Telangana also believes that. Today, people want to see that generosity in action,” Revanth Reddy remarked.
He urged the Prime Minister to clear pending development proposals and projects related to Telangana and extend stronger support to help the state achieve its ambitious economic targets.
“The people of Telangana are hoping that all pending works and proposals concerning the state’s development will receive approval,” he said.
Modi’s Sharp Yet Humorous Response Draws Applause
Responding to the Chief Minister’s remarks, Prime Minister Modi struck a careful balance between political wit and developmental messaging.
“Revanth ji said he would not speak about politics. I too will not speak about politics. I will speak only about non-political matters,” Modi said with a smile, immediately drawing laughter from the audience.
The Prime Minister then responded directly to Revanth Reddy’s comparison with Gujarat and Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
“I am ready to give whatever the Manmohan Singh government gave to Gujarat. But according to my information, if Telangana had received only that much, it would not have got even 50 per cent of what it is receiving now,” Modi remarked.
He further suggested that Telangana’s ambitious target of becoming a multi-trillion-dollar economy would require closer coordination with the Centre.
“And you cannot reach your goal,” Modi said before adding in Hindi, “Isliye accha hai… mere se judo…” (“So it is better… join with me.”)
The remark, delivered humorously, triggered loud applause from the gathering while also drawing visible laughter from Revanth Reddy and ministers seated on the dais. The moment quickly became the highlight of the event, symbolising both the political undercurrents and the possibility of cooperative engagement between the Centre and the Telangana government.
Massive Development Push
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several infrastructure, transport, connectivity and public welfare projects collectively valued at around Rs 9,400 crore. The projects are aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, boosting connectivity and accelerating economic activity in Telangana.
Though political differences between the Congress-led Telangana government and the BJP-led Central government remain sharp, Sunday’s event projected a relatively cordial atmosphere, with both leaders publicly emphasising development over confrontation.
The programme in Hyderabad preceded Modi’s scheduled public address at the historic Parade Grounds later in the day, where the Prime Minister was expected to address a larger political gathering and interact with party workers and supporters.
Political observers noted that the exchange between Modi and Revanth Reddy reflected an evolving dynamic in Telangana politics, where despite ideological differences, both the Centre and the state may increasingly seek collaboration on infrastructure, investment and economic growth.
For Telangana, a young and rapidly expanding state aspiring to emerge as a major economic powerhouse, the message from the Prime Minister was clear — development would require partnership, coordination and alignment with the Centre’s broader national growth agenda.
