HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that family rule, corruption and governance issues were synonymous with the rule of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.
“Their misgovernance has been similar. Vijayan has been in power in Kerala for nearly 10 years, similar to KCR’s tenure in Telangana from 2014 to 2023,” Revanth said, unveiling the UDF manifesto for the forthcoming Kerala Assembly elections, in Kochi on Thursday.
He challenged critics of the Five Guarantees announced by the United Democratic Front (UDF), stating that those doubting their implementation should visit Telangana. “I would personally demonstrate to Pinarayi and his ministers how the guarantees are being implemented if a Kerala delegation visits Telangana,” Revanth said, declaring that the “dark era” of Pinarayi was ending and a “golden era” under the UDF was set to begin.
The chief minister criticised both Pinarayi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remarking that India and Kerala were being ruled by the “Modi brothers”.
Referring indirectly to the Sabarimala gold controversy, he alleged that even temple assets were not secure in “God’s Own Country”.
Responding to reporters, Revanth said, “Po mone Vijaya (Go away, Vijayan),” adding that Vijayan is a political adversary. “I will not refrain from criticising political rivals,” he said.
The chief minister said the UDF’s priorities include tackling corruption, addressing revenue depletion, ensuring optimum use of funds under Union government schemes and securing dues owed to the state. He added that funds provided by the Union government are not an act of generosity by the Prime Minister but a rightful entitlement of the people. He described the UDF as a coalition of workers led by leaders of integrity.
Revanth said some political forces had questioned the feasibility of implementing the UDF’s guarantees in Kerala. Telangana stands as a model and an answer to such criticism, he said, recalling that the Congress government began implementing its guarantees from the first Cabinet meeting after assuming office.