Ruling Congress MLA Anirudh Reddy Threatens Hunger Strike Over ₹40 Crore Dues

A growing dispute over delayed development funding has brought Congress MLA J. Anirudh Reddy into a public confrontation with his own party's government in Telangana. The Jadcherla legislator has threatened an indefinite hunger strike involving 30,000 people to demand the release of ₹40 crore in pending bills, raising questions about fund allocation and delays in infrastructure projects despite the Congress being in power.

Reddy has alleged that constituencies represented by ministers are receiving funds while other MLAs continue to struggle to get their bills cleared. He has demanded immediate intervention from the government, warning that he is prepared to sacrifice his life if necessary to secure the money required for development works in his constituency.

The MLA has appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who holds the Finance and Planning and Energy portfolios, and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Telangana's Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography, to resolve the issue. He has questioned the delay in road projects in Jadcherla, pointing out that foundation stones had been laid but the works had yet to take off.

Reddy also referred to an incident in which ₹5 crore in contractor bills reportedly was released following a contractor's death in neighbouring Nagarkurnool district. Citing the episode, he questioned why funds for development works in his constituency remained pending and challenged the government to clarify its position on the proposed ₹40 crore allocation.

The legislator has called on workers from all political parties to set aside their differences and unite for Jadcherla's development. He has stressed the need to complete road projects and improve irrigation and drinking water facilities, saying these are essential to meeting the needs of local residents.

Although the broader issue of unpaid government bills has surfaced repeatedly in Telangana, the exact period for which Jadcherla's ₹40 crore bills have remained pending is not clearly established in the available reports. The reasons for the specific delays and the government's response to Reddy's allegations also require further clarification.