Telangana CM Slams Centre's UGC Changes as "Attack on Constitution"

Hyderabad - Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a scathing critique of the Centre's recent changes to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, calling them an "attack on the Constitution" and an infringement on states' powers.

Speaking at a program at Ambedkar Open University to unveil the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Reddy asserted that the move towards centralized control over universities was a "big conspiracy" and warned that it could turn universities into platforms for political propaganda.

Reddy declared Telangana's firm opposition to the UGC changes, stating that the state would not surrender its authority. He announced his plan to discuss the issue with counterparts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and other states to formulate a joint strategy. The Chief Minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the changes, emphasizing that they undermine the spirit of cooperative federalism and Ambedkar's ideals. He characterized the Centre's actions as a "cultural attack" on states and warned that states would be reduced to mere tax-collecting entities if their powers continued to be stripped away.

Reddy emphasized that the Centre must withdraw the changes to the UGC norms, stating that Telangana would not hesitate to protest if they are not reversed. He also criticized the Centre's Padma awards decisions, alleging that they ignored deserving personalities from Telangana, including Gaddar, Chukka Ramaiah, Ande Sri, Gorati Venkanna, and Jayadheer Tirumala Rao. He pledged to address the issue in a letter to the Prime Minister.