Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has hit back at Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over his recent comments on the alleged neglect of southern states by the BJP-led Central Government, asserting that attempts to create a North-South divide are detrimental to national unity.
Speaking on the issue, Rijiju said political leaders should refrain from making statements that could fuel regional tensions and divide the country. He emphasized that Indians, regardless of their region, share a common national identity.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Revanth Reddy at a conference in Bengaluru, where he accused the Centre of prioritizing northern states while overlooking the interests of southern states. He also alleged that tax revenues generated by southern states were being used disproportionately for the development of northern regions and claimed that the South was not receiving adequate representation at the national level.
Responding to these allegations, Rijiju rejected the claims and highlighted the regional diversity reflected in India’s top constitutional offices. He pointed out that the President is a tribal woman from Odisha, the Prime Minister hails from Gujarat in western India, and the Vice President is from South India.
Rijiju further urged leaders not to indulge in divisive politics, stating that efforts to pit one region against another weaken the country’s unity. Drawing a parallel with remarks he attributed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Union Minister said political discourse should focus on strengthening the nation rather than creating regional fault lines.
Reiterating his stance, Rijiju said India derives its strength from its diversity and that all citizens, irrespective of their geographical background, are equal stakeholders in the country’s progress.