On March 23, 2025, a fiery debate erupted when senior BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain publicly challenged the naming of Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). Speaking at the ‘Bihar Diwas 2025’ event, Hussain argued that the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had no significant role in the airport’s development, calling the decision to name it after him a move that overlooked the real contributors.

Shahnawaz Hussain Questions Rajiv Gandhi’s Role in RGIA’s Development, Credits Unsung Heroes

Hussain, who served as the Civil Aviation Minister during RGIA’s construction, didn’t hold back. “Hyderabad airport was named after Rajiv Gandhi, but let’s be real—who actually made it happen?” he asked the audience. He credited three key figures for the project’s success: himself, former Defence Minister George Fernandes, and then-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. According to Hussain, the trio worked tirelessly, holding weekly meetings at the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure the airport’s timely completion. “The land belonged to the Defence Ministry, and we collaborated closely to bring this vision to life,” he added, emphasizing the role of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in supporting the project.

The BJP leader’s comments have sparked a fresh controversy over the naming of public infrastructure in India, a topic that often stirs political passions. Hussain pointed out that when the Congress-led UPA government came to power, they named the airport after Rajiv Gandhi in 2008, ignoring the contributions of Fernandes, Naidu, and himself. “It’s an excellent airport, and I’m proud to say two Biharis—George Fernandes and I—along with Chandrababu Naidu, played a key role in its creation,” he said, taking a subtle jab at the Congress for what he sees as historical erasure.

Hussain also used the platform to highlight development in Bihar under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, contrasting it with the past. Without naming the RJD directly, he mocked their election symbol, the lantern, saying, “The days of the lantern are over. Bihar now has 24/7 electricity, water, and better roads under Nitish Kumar’s governance.”

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Shamshabad, was inaugurated in 2008 by then-UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi during Congress rule in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Since then, it has grown into one of India’s busiest airports, but its name has occasionally been a point of contention. Hussain’s remarks tap into a broader narrative of renaming landmarks in India, a trend that has gained momentum in recent years as political parties debate legacy and recognition.

This isn’t the first time the BJP has questioned the naming of public projects after Congress leaders. Hussain’s critique aligns with the party’s broader push to honor figures they believe have been sidelined by history. But his comments have also drawn criticism from Congress supporters, who argue that Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to modernizing India, including in aviation, justify the airport’s name.

For Hyderabad residents and travelers, this debate might seem like political noise, but it raises a deeper question: who truly deserves credit for the infrastructure we use every day? As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that the naming of RGIA is more than just a label—it’s a battle over legacy, recognition, and political power.

Hyderabad, March 20, 2025 — The city is getting ready for a great birthday party of Rama Navami, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA T Raja Singh set to guide the once a year Shobha Yatra on April 6, 2025.

Event Details

The procession will commence at 10:30 AM from the Akashpuri Hanuman Temple in Dhoolpet, a locality in Hyderabad known for its vibrant festivities.

Security Measures

In mild of latest threats, regulation enforcement agencies have counseled MLA Raja Singh to utilize a bulletproof car and be observed by means of his non-public security officers during public appearances. Authorities emphasize the significance of adhering to those precautions to make certain his protection.

Significance of Rama Navami

Rama Navami marks the start of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism, symbolizing distinctive feature and heroism. Celebrated on the 9th day of the Chaitra month within the Hindu calendar, this pageant holds profound cultural and spiritual significance.

MLA Raja Singh’s Involvement

Since 2012, Raja Singh has been instrumental in organizing the Rama Navami Shobha Yatra in Hyderabad. His steadfast commitment to promoting Hindu traditions has solidified his standing in the Goshamahal constituency, where he has been elected as an MLA three times.

Public Participation

Organizers anticipate a substantial turnout for this year’s procession, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and devotion. Participants are encouraged to adhere to safety protocols and cooperate with authorities to ensure a harmonious event.

District Collectors to Oversee Mandal-Level Committees in Selecting Beneficiaries.

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to launch the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme on 17th March 2025, a major initiative aimed at promoting self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth across the state. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities through their respective finance corporations.

Empowering Youth Through Financial Support

The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme (RYV) will play a crucial role in enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. The government has earmarked Rs. 6,000 crore to support around five lakh youth, with approximately 4,200 beneficiaries selected from each Assembly constituency.

Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025 – Key Highlights

Scheme Guidelines and Implementation

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka recently held a review meeting with Welfare Minister Poonam Prabhakar and the chairpersons of SC, ST, BC, and Minority Corporations to discuss the scheme’s guidelines. He emphasized that the initiative is a significant step by the Congress government to combat unemployment in Telangana.

Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025 – Important Dates

Applications for the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme will be open from March 17 to April 5, with the scrutiny process scheduled between April 6 and May 31. Financial assistance will be distributed on Telangana’s Foundation Day, ensuring timely support for eligible candidates.

Loan and Subsidy Structure

The scheme offers flexible loan options under three categories:

• Category 1: Rs. 1 lakh loan with an 80% subsidy
• Category 2: Rs. 2 lakh loan with a 70% subsidy
• Category 3: Rs. 3 lakh loan with a 60% subsidy

Beneficiary Selection Process

Beneficiaries will be chosen by mandal-level committees operating under the supervision of District Collectors to ensure fair and transparent selection.

Special Provisions for Minority Communities

In a significant move, Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Ubaidullah Kotwal has proposed increasing the loan limit to Rs. 5 lakh for minority youth, with a 50% subsidy. Additionally, he suggested that a direct subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh be provided by the corporation, while loans of Rs. 2 lakh would receive a Rs. 30,000 subsidy.

Out of the total Rs. 6,000 crore budget, an estimated Rs. 850 crore is expected to be allocated to support minority community initiatives.

Funding and Support

Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka confirmed that the government will release the necessary funds to support ongoing projects under the finance corporations, ensuring continued assistance for youth empowerment and self-employment opportunities.

The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme is poised to become a game-changer in addressing unemployment in Telangana, empowering thousands of youth to achieve financial independence and contribute to the state’s economic growth.