Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda addressed an intellectuals' conclave organised by the Forum for Nationalist Thinkers in Hyderabad on 9 July 2026, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's twelve-year governance record and launching a sharp attack on the Congress-led Telangana government headed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

Context

Speaking at the Forum for Nationalist Thinkers event, Nadda said that over the past 12 years, PM Modi's leadership had 'set new benchmarks in politics, good governance, development and global leadership.' He argued that the Modi era had 'ended dynastic rule, appeasement politics and corrupt governance' and given meaning to democracy by prioritising accountability, development and public service.

Nadda listed connectivity, Digital India, health, welfare of the poor, farmer empowerment, women's dignity, defence, the economy and international diplomacy as sectors where 'transformative progress has given India a distinct identity on the world stage.'

Policy Backdrop

The BJP's Digital India programme, launched in 2015, expanded broadband, e-governance and digital payments across the country and remains a flagship reference point for the party's governance narrative. The broader contrast Nadda drew — between a reform-focused Centre and alleged misgovernance at the state level — mirrors the rhetorical framework the BJP has deployed consistently since its 2014 general-election victory.

Telangana was carved out as a separate state in June 2014 and has since seen successive governments implement large-scale irrigation and housing schemes. The Congress party swept the state's December 2023 assembly elections, ending nearly a decade of BRS rule and installing Revanth Reddy as Chief Minister.

Stakeholders and Impact

Nadda specifically targeted two flagship programmes. He said the Kaleshwaram project — a large-scale lift irrigation scheme initiated under the previous BRS government — and the Indiramma Illu housing scheme promised by Congress 'stand as examples of corruption and unfulfilled promises.' He alleged that the Revanth Reddy government had turned into an 'ATM for the Congress party,' with public money meant for people's development being spent for political purposes.

The remarks are directly relevant to Telangana farmers and urban poor households who are the intended beneficiaries of both the irrigation and housing initiatives. Opposition to the Congress government in Telangana has repeatedly raised questions about the pace and integrity of project implementation, though the state government contests those characterisations.

What's Next

Nadda closed his address with a call to action: 'Let us all move forward together to build a developed, progressive and empowered Telangana.' The BJP is widely expected to intensify its outreach in the state ahead of the next assembly elections, due by 2028. Any formal audit findings on the Kaleshwaram project or updates on Indiramma Illu delivery timelines from the Telangana government will likely shape the political discourse in the months ahead.