Hyderabad:
BRS leaders announced on Tuesday that Telangana received no significant funds from the Central budget. The party’s working president, KT Rama Rao, expressed his disappointment over this outcome.
He highlighted that despite their hopes for substantial allocations from Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Telangana was overlooked even with a budget exceeding Rs 48 lakh crores. Only a few states benefited, leaving Telangana with nothing. This is particularly upsetting as KCR had previously urged the central government to fulfill nearly 35 promises made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
“We have repeatedly written letters and made appeals. There is no mention of additional funds for Mulugu University, the Bayyaram Steel Factory, or the Railway Coach Factory in Kazipet. Despite our requests, national status has not been granted to any irrigation projects in the State. We requested Central national institutes such as IIM, but not a single one was given,” said Rama Rao.
KTR also mentioned that the requests made by the current Chief Minister and Ministers from Telangana during their visits to Delhi were ignored. Once again, Telangana received nothing in this Central budget. He urged the people of Telangana to reflect on what happened when they gave 16 seats to national parties like the BJP and Congress.
He pointed out the disparity in funds allocated to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, which have more seats in parliament, compared to Telangana. “We need to understand that our political identity and strength are crucial for Telangana’s development. The BJP and Congress MPs sitting in Parliament did not speak a word on behalf of Telangana. If there were MPs from our party in Parliament, they would have strongly opposed the Central government’s stance,” said KTR.