Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday to press for the release of Rs 1,800 crore owed to the state under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. These funds, pending since the fiscal years 2019-20 to 2023-24, are crucial for the development of backward districts in Telangana. Reddy also raised the issue of Rs 408.49 crore owed by Andhra Pradesh for maintaining common institutions after bifurcation, highlighting that despite prior agreements and interventions by the Union Home Ministry, the dues remain unpaid. He urged the Centre to issue directives for Andhra Pradesh to settle the amount, including interest.

Reddy expressed concerns over the Centre’s demand for Telangana to repay Rs 2,547.07 crore in loans related to projects initiated during the united Andhra Pradesh era. Terming this recovery order unilateral, he requested a review of the directive. He also pointed out that funds allocated for Centrally Sponsored Schemes in 2014-15 were exclusively directed to Andhra Pradesh, and demanded the transfer of Rs 495.20 crore to Telangana, as per population ratios outlined in the Reorganisation Act. In a related request, Reddy sought the Union Railway Minister’s support for establishing an integrated railway coach factory in Kazipet, emphasizing its potential to boost regional development.

The meeting underscores Telangana’s growing concerns over pending financial obligations post-bifurcation and its efforts to secure the funds essential for its development projects. Reddy’s engagement with Union ministers reflects his government’s resolve to address these issues and advocate for Telangana’s rightful share in resources and infrastructure support.