Revanth Reddy Slams PM’s Austerity Remarks
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has sparked a fresh political debate by sharply criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for national “austerity.” The Chief Minister described the Prime Minister’s appeal to citizens—specifically the suggestion to limit personal spending and gold purchases—as an indirect admission of economic mismanagement at the central level.
During a press briefing in Hyderabad, Reddy argued that such appeals infringe upon the personal choices of citizens and could lead to a slowdown in domestic consumption. He stated that the Indian economy thrives on the purchasing power of the middle class, and discouraging spending might adversely affect retail and jewelry sectors, which are vital for state revenue and employment.
The Chief Minister further contended that the current economic pressure stems from the Union Government’s foreign policy decisions rather than the spending habits of the public. He pointed toward the ongoing West Asia crisis and its impact on fuel prices as the actual culprits. Reddy demanded that instead of asking the common man to tighten their belt, the Centre should focus on stabilizing international trade relations.
Reddy also highlighted that Telangana’s own developmental goals, including the ambitious target of becoming a trillion-dollar economy, rely on a robust and active market. He urged the Prime Minister to convene an all-party meeting to discuss a more comprehensive national economic strategy that does not place the entire burden of fiscal stability on individual households.
This confrontation highlights the growing friction between the state and the center over fiscal autonomy and economic philosophy. While the BJP has defended the Prime Minister’s stance as a necessary measure for national self-reliance, the Congress-led Telangana government remains firm that economic growth must be driven by empowerment, not restriction.
