Cooperative Federalism Key to India’s Growth, Says Bhatti Vikramarka

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka called for stronger cooperative federalism, saying India’s development depends on the Centre and states working together while respecting each other’s constitutional rights. Speaking at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, he raised Telangana’s concerns over river water sharing, state rights and pending bifurcation issues.

Bhatti Vikramarka described the Southern Zonal Council as an important platform for resolving disputes between the Centre and states, as well as disagreements among neighbouring states, through dialogue and consensus. He said Telangana would continue to seek lawful and time-bound solutions to matters affecting the state.

Drawing an analogy from Mahabalipuram’s historic monuments, the Deputy Chief Minister said a strong structure does not require every component to be identical. Each part, he explained, must simply be capable of carrying its own weight. He said India’s federal system should function on similar principles, allowing every state to contribute to the country’s overall progress.

On the Krishna river water dispute, Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana was not seeking special treatment but only its legitimate share under the law. He urged the Centre to prevent unilateral decisions that could affect the interests of downstream states. He also asserted Telangana’s rights over surplus waters and noted that the matter is before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II.

He sought immediate Central financial assistance for key irrigation projects, including the restoration of the Kaleshwaram barrages, revival of the Pranahita-Chevella project at Tummidihatti and the Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme.

The Deputy Chief Minister also raised unresolved issues linked to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, saying several matters remain pending 12 years after bifurcation. Telangana has already submitted its views on the division of 23 Schedule IX institutions and corporations to the Union Home Ministry, he said. On Schedule X institutions, he maintained that Andhra Pradesh’s claims over certain assets lacked legal backing and noted that the matter is before the High Court.

Bhatti Vikramarka urged southern states to cooperate on challenges involving water, power and the environment, even while competing for investments and industries. “If South India grows together, India will develop faster,” he said.

He also invited the council to hold its 32nd meeting in Hyderabad, saying Telangana was ready to host the gathering and further strengthen cooperation among southern states.