Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy it would be "better if you join me" during a development event [1].
The exchange highlights the complex dynamic between the central government and state leadership as Telangana pursues aggressive economic growth targets through federal support.
The interaction occurred on May 10, 2024 [2], in Hyderabad, where the two leaders met for a development-inauguration event [2]. During the proceedings, Reddy requested the center's support and faster clearances for several key infrastructure initiatives [2]. These projects include the rejuvenation of the Musi River, the expansion of the Metro Rail, and the construction of a 12-lane Hyderabad-Machilipatnam express highway [3].
Reddy specifically invoked the "Gujarat Model" as a benchmark for economic growth to justify the need for central assistance [1]. He said, "We want the Centre to support Telangana the way the Gujarat Model supported Gujarat’s growth" [1]. This reference to the development strategy implemented during Modi's tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister prompted the Prime Minister's response [2].
The request for support is tied to the state's ambitious long-term financial goals. Reddy said the state is aiming for a $1 trillion economy by 2034 [3], and a $3 trillion economy by 2047 [3].
While the comment was delivered in a light-hearted manner, it occurred against a backdrop of varying interpretations of the Gujarat Model's origins. Some reports suggest the former UPA government supported Gujarat during Modi's tenure as Chief Minister, while others attribute the model directly to Modi's leadership [2].
“"Better if you join me."”
The interaction underscores a strategic attempt by the Telangana government to leverage the central government's previous success in Gujarat to accelerate its own infrastructure and economic milestones. By publicly aligning its goals with the 'Gujarat Model,' the state leadership is signaling a desire for a cooperative federal relationship to meet high-valuation economic targets.
