A series of international trips by CM Revanth Reddy and ministers are raising concerns about the misuse of public funds, with critics arguing that these junkets yield no tangible benefits for the state.
This year alone, Revanth has undertaken two foreign trips. In January, he visited Switzerland, Britain, and Dubai, followed by another round of travel in August that included the United States of America, South Korea, and a return to Dubai. His August trip, especially his dealings in the USA, has drawn particular scrutiny due to a controversial agreement with Swachh Bio, a company owned by his brother.
The issue of foreign jaunts is not limited to Revanth. Several ministers have also been frequently traveling abroad. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka recently returned from a ten-day trip to the USA and Japan.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao is currently on a tour in the USA, having visited Spain in January and Bangkok last month. IT Minister Sridhar Babu has accompanied the Chief Minister on multiple international trips, while Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy have also made several trips to the USA.
Critics argue that these constant foreign trips are draining the state’s exchequer, with little to show in terms of governance or development. The frequent absences of key leaders have led to a backlog of administrative tasks, with important files remaining pending.
In the past 11 months, Revanth Reddy has made 25 trips to Delhi, averaging a visit every two weeks, while other ministers’ travel schedules remain similarly extensive.
The mounting criticism highlights a growing concern among the public regarding the impact of such foreign trips on the state’s financial health and administrative efficiency.