BJP Using Religion, Shielding BRS:CM

Grave injustice, blames Centre

1. Not a single project proposed by Telangana had been sanctioned by the Centre since the formation of the state
2. Telangana was denied ITIR and semiconductor projects
3. Telangana received only 42 to 45 paise for every rupee it paid to the Centre as tax revenue, whereas Bihar received Rs 6.06
4. No additional assistance was provided during the Khammam floods

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of systematically discriminating against Telangana by denying project approvals and unfairly depriving the state of its rightful share of central funds since 2014. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Monday, the Chief Minister also alleged that the BJP and BRS were maintaining “secret relations” and charged that BJP leaders were protecting BRS leaders from arrest in several high-profile cases.

The Chief Minister said not a single project proposed by Telangana had been sanctioned by the Centre since the formation of the state. He recalled that during the recent visit of BJP national president J.P. Nadda, the state had expected an announcement granting national project status to the Palamuru–Rangareddy project, but no such assurance was made. He also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for campaigning in Adilabad without offering any cooperation on the Pranahita–Chevella project, which is crucial for irrigating nearly two lakh acres and providing drinking water to the region.

Revanth Reddy alleged that Telangana received only 42 to 45 paise for every rupee it paid to the Centre as tax revenue, calling it grave injustice. He said Karnataka received just 16 paise, Tamil Nadu 26 paise and Kerala 49 paise, while northern states such as Bihar received Rs 6.06, Uttar Pradesh Rs 2.90 and Madhya Pradesh Rs 2.09 per rupee contributed. He described this disparity as victimisation of southern states in the devolution of funds.

Taking strong exception to Union Ministers Bandi Sanjay and G. Kishan Reddy, the Chief Minister accused them of mortgaging Telangana’s self-respect before the Centre. He said the ministers failed to bring national project status to any Telangana project, secure funds for Musi rejuvenation, approve Metro Rail Phase-2, or sanction special funds for Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara. He also alleged that Telangana was denied ITIR and semiconductor projects, and that no additional assistance was provided during the Khammam floods. Even the land acquisition cost for the Warangal airport, he said, was borne entirely by the state government.

Referring to the GHMC elections, Revanth Reddy said BJP leaders had deceived people with false promises. He questioned why BJP leaders invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name during local body elections and asked whether Modi would come and clean drains or solve civic issues.

The Chief Minister accused the BJP of resorting to religious politics by repeatedly invoking AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to polarise voters. He alleged that BJP was inciting hatred for political survival, which he said reflected intellectual bankruptcy.

Revanth Reddy further alleged that the BJP was shielding BRS leaders K. Chandrashekar Rao, K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao from arrest in cases related to phone tapping, the Kaleshwaram project and the Formula-E race. He claimed the BRS had supported demonetisation, farm laws and triple talaq, and recalled KCR’s statement that Modi’s “love was enough.”

Launching a sharp attack on the BRS, the Chief Minister said the party would not be allowed to “sprout again” in Telangana politics. He accused BRS leaders of behaving arrogantly and likened their conduct to that of cocaine and ganja addicts. He alleged that the BRS leadership collected money through phone tapping with a frenzy and questioned why leaders were projecting themselves as heroes while appearing before investigating agencies.

Appealing to voters ahead of the municipal elections, Revanth Reddy said a three-cornered contest was underway and urged people to analyse the ten years of BRS rule and the BJP’s performance at the Centre since 2014. He asked voters to base their mandate on bitter past experiences and the promise of a better future.

Highlighting his government’s achievements, the Chief Minister listed prompt payment of salaries to employees, enhancement of Arogyasri coverage from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, free RTC bus travel for women, issuance of new ration cards and supply of fine rice. He said farmer loans were waived and Rs 9,000 crore was paid in nine days under Rythu Bharosa, along with a Rs 500 bonus for fine rice. 

The government,  sanctioned 3,500 Indiramma houses per constituency, provided Rs 5 lakh assistance for house construction, filled 70,000 government job vacancies, and established the Young India Skills University and Sports University.