Revanth Reddy Uses Helicopter and Convoy for Nagarjunasagar Trip

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy travelled by helicopter from the MCRHRD Institute in Hyderabad to Nagarjunasagar on Monday to attend the Varuna Yagam event, drawing scrutiny over the government's adherence to its previously announced austerity measures. The trip to a location roughly 150 kilometres away involved a 45-minute flight and the deployment of a six-vehicle convoy on the ground.

Upon arriving in Nagarjunasagar, Reddy landed at the BC Residential School Grounds located at Hill Colony. From the landing site, a convoy of six vehicles was utilized to transport the Chief Minister to the Vijaya Vihar Tourism Guest House, which served as the venue for the Varuna Yagam. As per his schedule, he was set to return to Hyderabad via the helicopter after the program concluded.

The extensive use of helicopter transport and the motorcade size stand in contrast to directives issued just over two months prior. In May, Chief Minister Reddy had instructed state officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his official convoy from 15 down to three. That directive was issued in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for public austerity and fuel conservation measures in light of the geopolitical crisis in West Asia.

Following the Prime Minister's appeal, the Chief Minister's motorcade was initially trimmed from 15 vehicles to nine, before being brought down further to three vehicles. However, recent movements indicate that air travel and expanded ground convoys remain in regular use by the state leadership.

The Congress administration in Telangana, along with its Cabinet ministers, has faced criticism from various sections for opting for helicopter flights over relatively short road distances, including trips as short as 100 kilometres. The latest flight to Nagarjunasagar has prompted fresh questions regarding the government's commitment to public austerity and fuel reduction.