Assuring that the ‘Work to Owner’ initiative will continue despite obstacles, Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao harshly attacked the federal government for the continuing financial conflicts. He responded angrily to those who questioned the state’s financial participation in a Thursday television appearance, stating, “Some people are claiming it’s their money.” It is neither your father’s nor our father’s property. The state also provides 30 paise, while the centre donates 70 paise.

He continued by saying that state governments support the federal government, not the other way around. They insist on using someone else’s picture even though they claim the Centre is providing funding. The people that pay taxes are us. “Central programs in our state should feature our Chief Minister’s picture,” he said.

Growing tensions between the Telangana state administration and the Centre over credit and financial contributions for developmental initiatives are reflected in Minister Tummala’s comments.