Hyderabad, Jan 19 : The Telangana BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's decision to travel to the United States to attend what it termed a "crash leadership course", questioning the timing and financial prudence of the move.

The Chief Minister has enrolled in a programme titled 'Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage' at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

CM Reddy is scheduled to be on the Cambridge, Massachusetts campus from January 25 to 30, proceeding to the US, from Davos, where he will attend the World Economic Forum.

Reacting to the development, BJP State chief spokesperson N. V. Subash remarked that leadership is not acquired through short-term courses but demonstrated through governance, accountability, and results on the ground.

"Shouldn't such academic pursuits have been completed earlier in life?" he asked, adding that the Chief Minister's primary classroom today should be the state he governs, not an overseas campus.

Subash further questioned whether the trip reflects a prioritisation of personal aspirations over public responsibilities.

"Is the Chief Minister seeking to fulfil personal dreams using taxpayers' money?" Subhash asked, saying Telangana CM recently fulfilled his football game and desire with Messi. He remarked that these "public theatrics" distract from the serious business of governance.

The BJP chief spokesperson pointed out what he termed a contradiction in the government's narrative.

On one hand, the Chief Minister repeatedly claims that the state exchequer is under strain and that funds are insufficient to implement key electoral promises made by the Congress. On the other hand, he appears willing to spend significant public resources on an overseas leadership programme," Subash said.

He argued that the funds and administrative attention devoted to such international engagements could instead be directed toward pressing issues within Telangana, including farmer welfare, employment generation, infrastructure development, and the delivery of social welfare schemes.

The BJP hoped that the Chief Minister, upon returning from the programme, would demonstrate what it called "a renewed sense of seriousness, dignity, and focus on governance," and shift attention from symbolic gestures to tangible outcomes for the people of Telangana.

"The people of the state did not vote for foreign certifications. They voted for transparent, efficient, and accountable leadership at home," Subash added.

/IANS