Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appeals to RTC unions to avoid strikes, cites financial strain

Warns that even a single misstep could adversely impact the corporation

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy appealed to TGSRTC unions not to be influenced by political parties and resort to strikes, warning that even a single misstep could adversely impact the corporation.

“Do not get carried away just because things are falling into place. If there are any issues, the unions can meet the Minister. At this juncture, any strike will result in irreparable loss to the State,” the Chief Minister told RTC unions during May Day celebrations on Thursday.

“We will do our best to address your concerns, if not hand over the State’s income to you. The Finance Minister, Chief Secretary and others will sit with you and suggest which schemes can be taken up and which can be deferred. You set up an advisory board and take decisions,” Revanth Reddy said, assuring that he would not take a single rupee home nor indulge in any corruption.

The Chief Minister explained that the State earns ₹18,500 crore per month. Of this, ₹6,500 crore is spent on debt repayment, ₹6,500 crore on salaries and pensions, and the remaining ₹5,500 crore on welfare and development.

“At least Rs 22,500 crore is required to meet basic needs. If contractors’ bills are to be cleared, the State must generate Rs 30,000 crore. Unfortunately, there is a shortfall of Rs 12,000 crore,” the Chief Minister said, admitting that the financial health of the State is under severe stress and sought the unions’ cooperation.

In sharp contrast to perceptions, he said, the government has been raising Rs 10,000 crore in loans every month just to repay debts and interest.

“How do I run the State government?” he asked. “Not a single scheme has been discontinued, be it Rythu Bharosa, crop loan waiver, Shaadi Mubarak or Kalyana Lakshmi. In fact, we’ve provided free bus travel for women, spending Rs 5,000 crore on that scheme alone, in addition to implementing several others,” he said.

“Just like financial crimes, financial terrorism has taken place. In the last 15 months, we’ve spent sleepless nights trying to bring Telangana back on track,” he said, warning that any attempt to derail the ‘Telangana Rising’ model would not be tolerated.