HYDERABAD: Coming down heavily on leaders of various employee unions over reports that they have declared a “war” against the government, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday asked them if they had any responsibility towards the people.
Hinting that the state government was in no position to meet any undue demands of employees, he stated: “The previous BRS government left the state bankrupt. Even if you cut me into pieces (Nannu Koseenaa Kuda), the revenue of the state government will not cross Rs 18,500 crore per month. I am asking the leaders of the employee unions to explain what they will do to me? Will you cut me, cook and eat? Tell me, which scheme should I stop to pay bonuses, allowances and other benefits?”
Addressing the gathering after presenting Police Real Heroes awards at Integrated Command Control Centre here, the chief minister asked the employee unions: “Don’t you have any responsibility towards the people?”
Revanth continued: “I have seen news reports that the employees unions have declared war against the government. There are 3.5 lakh government employees, 3 lakh contract and outsourcing employees and 3 lakh pensioners. Employees account for 2.5% to 3% of the population. If you wage a war, will the remaining 98% of people not suffer? Employees should think about this.”
The chief minister pointed out that in order to save money, he was travelling in economy class during his foreign tours. He added that no one was coming forward to extend loans to the state. “Bankers are treating the representatives of the state like one treats a thief, if we ask for loans,” Revanth added.
Don’t fall prey to conspiracies: CM to govt staff
The chief minister continued: “No one is giving appointments to me in Delhi. No one is believing Telangana in the market. Self-regulation is only the solution for this problem.”
Pointing out that the system will collapse if employees go on strike, he asked the employee unions to engage in dialogue with the government. He also advised employees not to fall prey to conspiracies hatched by political parties to weaken the government.
Explaining the state’s financial position, the chief minister said: “In 2014, when the state was formed, the government used to pay Rs 500-Rs 600 crore per month towards interest and principal for the loans taken. Now, we are paying Rs 7,000 crore per month.
From December 7, 2023 to March 31, 2025, the government has paid Rs 1.52 lakh crore towards interest and principal for loans taken by the previous government. At the same time, the government has taken new loans to the tune of `1.58 lakh crore. We are taking new loans to repay those taken by the previous government. The one who is responsible for this situation is KCR who is resting at his farmhouse.”