With government workers in Telangana announcing strike plans, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is calling them off, citing the financial struggles facing the state at present. He clarified that, due to the economic environment, the government cannot absorb any further debt, something that is currently being faced across the whole country. Revanth said continuing with the strike would only deepen the issue, comparing it to leaping from one crisis into another.
The Chief Minister has been honest about why a few of the government’s commitments have not been met yet, especially in sustaining welfare schemes begun by the erstwhile BRS government. When confronted with allegations by the BRS of failed Congress commitments, Revanth has been forthright in speaking about the financial problems his government is facing. He called on the employee unions to take a time-out, asking them to realize that the government is doing the best it can in these challenging conditions.
The question now is if the unions will listen to Revanth’s appeal. Though his openness regarding the financial situation may appeal to some, it is unclear if the public will fully back his cause. Under the BRS regime, Telangana was marketed as a financially prosperous state. With Revanth admitting the constraint in borrowing further, critics could take advantage to challenge his leadership.
Even with his political savvy in dealing with such sensitive matters, some opine that Revanth’s candid approach would indirectly benefit his opponents. Nevertheless, Revanth is sure that people will eventually understand the financial realities of the state and support the efforts of the government in these difficult times.