Medaram is culture, not just construction - CM Revanth slams centre over funding

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticized the central government for showing bias against the state, highlighting the contrast in funding between the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh and the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, Asia’s largest tribal festival. While the Kumbh Mela received thousands of crores of rupees, the Medaram festival, which holds immense cultural and emotional significance for the tribal community, continues to receive minimal financial support.

Addressing a gathering at Medaram, CM Reddy inaugurated the reconstruction of the temple gopurams, calling the initiative “a blessing for his life.” He emphasized that Medaram is not just a responsibility but an emotional bond. Revanth Reddy recalled starting his famous pilgrimage from Medaram and said true development goes beyond infrastructure - it must improve the lives of tribal communities. He also highlighted that his government has sanctioned Indiramma houses in every constituency and continues to prioritize tribal welfare in all development projects.

Speaking on temple development, the CM said that the reconstruction of the Sammakka-Saralamma temple premises allows the community - tribals, priests, and traditional families - to actively participate. The use of traditional stone structures will preserve history and heritage. He assured that all work would be completed before the mega festival, ensuring convenience for devotees, and promised to celebrate this year’s Medaram Jatara as a grand “festival of the eyes.”

CM Reddy pointed out the difference in funding: while the Kumbh Mela recently received ₹2,100 crore in special grants (out of a total ₹7,500 crore budget), Medaram Jatra has received only minimal support from the central government over the years: ₹2-3 crore in various years from tourism and tribal welfare departments. The CM urged the center to recognize Medaram as a national-level festival and allocate adequate funds, stressing that the festival is of equal cultural and national importance.

Comparing Past Funding: The ruling Congress government has sanctioned ₹150 crore and prepared a ₹236 crore master plan for Medaram, higher than allocations by previous BRS governments. However, CM Reddy maintained that past funding under BRS, though significant (₹75 - 80 crore in earlier years), did not translate into visible development, particularly in infrastructure and tribal welfare.

By highlighting these disparities, CM Revanth Reddy positioned Medaram Jatra as a vital cultural event that deserves recognition and proper funding, questioning whether the central government will heed his appeal.