BJP ready for debate on Modi govt.’s funds and projects to Telangana

K. Laxman
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has challenged the Congress and BRS leaders for a public debate on the funds and projects brought to Telangana under the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 10 years in comparison with the previous decade of the Congress-led UPA regime on Sunday.

“Both the parties are working in tandem and are singing the same tune in criticising the Modi government falsely claiming the budget has ignored Telangana,” charged Rajya Sabha member K. Laxman and others at the State office in a press conference.

While he did not mention about any specific projects or proposals for Telangana in the current budget, the BJP leader gave an elaborate explanation about the previously sanctioned institutions like the AIIMS-Bibinagar, Kazipet wagon overhauling workshop, tribal university, the most recent national turmeric board, etc., here.

Mr. Laxman accused the State government of failing to complete land acquisition for the proposed 340 km Regional Ring Road (RRR) despite the Centre offering to bear 50% funds for the same, besides funding the entire work. Similarly, a proper project report was not submitted for the proposed Warangal airport. But, the Centre will grant approvals for pending projects in due course of time, he said.

The MP, also the national OBC president, accused both Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao of making baseless allegations against the Centre when it has ‘done a lot’ for the State, including reviving the Ramagundam fertiliser plant and providing a rail link to Medak-Siddipet earlier ignored by the Congress-led governments. “We are funding national highways to the tune of over ₹1 lakh crore and over ₹5,000 crore for railway works here,” he claimed.

Braving the headwinds due to the ongoing global wars and uncertainty following President Trump returning to power in United States, the Centre’s budget has given Income Tax relief for salaried class for up to ₹12 lakh annually for the first time in history. “It is not a small amount as one crore middle-class people are going to benefit. The impact will be felt during the forthcoming MLC elections here. The national policies of supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, street vendors, start ups and others will benefit many here,” he said.