BJP driving development, Congress focused on family politics: K Laxman

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Dr. K. Laxman on Sunday criticized the Congress party, alleging that while the BJP follows a "Nation First" policy, Congress continues to operate under a "Family First" approach. He accused Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of prioritizing the interests of a political family based in New Delhi over the interests of the state.

Addressing a media conference at the BJP state headquarters, Laxman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving democratically elected leader in India's history, surpassing the tenure record of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by serving the nation for more than 4,399 days as Prime Minister.

Laxman said India's democracy had demonstrated its strength by enabling an ordinary citizen to rise to the country's highest political office. He alleged that the Congress party had been unable to accept this achievement and claimed that recent remarks by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reflected the party's frustration and intolerance. He also criticized Congress leaders for accusing the BJP of "stealing seats" and votes during Rajya Sabha elections, calling such allegations misleading and politically motivated.

The BJP MP further accused Congress of repeatedly questioning democratic institutions whenever electoral outcomes did not favor the party. He said that even when decisions of the Election Commission have received judicial backing, Congress leaders continue to cast doubts on the electoral process. Such criticism, he argued, reflects political disappointment rather than genuine concern for democracy.

Highlighting the Union government's contributions to Telangana, Laxman said the Centre has consistently supported the state's development since its formation. He stated that between 2014 and 2026, Telangana received more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore through its share of central taxes, while nearly Rs 1 lakh crore was provided through grants-in-aid.

In addition, the Centre extended Rs 9,502 crore in interest-free loans beyond regular Finance Commission allocations to support the state's financial requirements. He further pointed to significant investments in railway infrastructure, noting that annual railway allocations to Telangana had increased from Rs 258 crore to Rs 5,336 crore.

Dr. Laxman also highlighted the expansion of road infrastructure across the state. According to him, the Centre has developed nearly 4,926 kilometers of national highways in Telangana with investments exceeding Rs 31,000 crore. The BJP leader emphasized that several long-pending demands of Telangana had been addressed by the Union government. These include the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, a long-standing demand of turmeric farmers, as well as the development of AIIMS Bibinagar, a Tribal University in Mulugu, a railway manufacturing unit in Kazipet, and Navodaya Vidyalayas in seven districts of the state.

Concluding his remarks, Laxman expressed confidence that Telangana would witness accelerated growth under a "double-engine government" led by the BJP at both the state and central levels. He said that national development and the welfare of the poor must remain above political considerations and described Prime Minister Modi as a leader who consistently delivers on his promises.