Harish Rao Accuses Congress Government
Harish Rao Accuses Congress of Shelving Free Electricity Scheme
Senior BRS leader and former Finance Minister T. Harish Rao has leveled serious allegations against the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of not fulfilling its promise of providing 200 units of free electricity under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. Harish Rao claimed that while the government boasts about offering free electricity, in reality, it is collecting bills from the poor, effectively shelving the scheme.
Criticism Over Pending Bill Collections
Harish Rao’s accusations are based on a media report suggesting that the Telangana government is allegedly collecting pending bills from economically disadvantaged citizens under the guise of non-generation of zero bills. He criticized this practice, arguing that it contradicts the government’s promise of free electricity for the poor.
According to Rao, the scheme is merely a facade, and the Congress government has failed to genuinely deliver on its commitment. He expressed concern over the impact this has on low-income families who were relying on the promised relief. Rao questioned whether any of the six guarantees and 13 promises made in the Congress manifesto had been fully implemented to date, challenging the credibility of the government’s commitments.
Allegations of Project Cancellations Under SDF
On August 30, Harish Rao further attacked the Congress government, alleging that it canceled 34,511 projects worth Rs 10,000 crore under the Special Development Fund (SDF). He argued that these cancellations are part of a larger conspiracy by the Congress to obstruct the opposition and hinder the development of Telangana.
Rao accused the Congress of prioritizing party interests over the state’s development. He specifically targeted Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, claiming that Reddy is more focused on fulfilling the “aspirations of the Congress” rather than advancing the development agenda of Telangana. This, Rao contended, has stalled infrastructure development in both rural and urban areas, leading to significant job losses and economic setbacks for the state.
Impact on Employment and Development
The BRS leader’s criticisms extended to the broader impact of the Congress government’s actions on employment and development in Telangana. He argued that by canceling critical development projects, the government has effectively stalled progress and deprived citizens of job opportunities that would have arisen from these initiatives.
Rao accused the Congress of having an anti-development agenda, which he believes is degrading the state’s economic and social standing. He emphasized that the cancellation of projects is not just a bureaucratic oversight but a deliberate strategy to undermine the state’s growth and the welfare of its people.
Claims of Partisanship in Fund Allocation
Harish Rao also accused the Congress government of partisanship in the allocation of funds, claiming that it has not provided financial support to constituencies where the Congress did not win. He cited the example of SDF funds that were allegedly canceled by the previous KCR government but reallocated by the Congress in March, with Rs 10 crore granted to each constituency represented by a Congress MLA. According to Rao, this selective allocation of funds is a clear demonstration of the Congress party’s favoritism and disregard for equitable development.
Rao described these actions as indicative of the Congress’s “stupidity and partisanship,” arguing that the government’s approach to fund allocation undermines the principles of fair governance and equal development opportunities for all regions of Telangana.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
Rao concluded his statements with a call for greater accountability and transparency from the Congress-led government. He urged the administration to honor its commitments and work towards genuinely improving the lives of Telangana’s citizens rather than engaging in partisan politics and neglecting critical development projects.
Implications for the Congress Government
The allegations made by Harish Rao pose significant challenges for the Congress government in Telangana. As public scrutiny intensifies, the government will need to address these criticisms and demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling the promises made in its manifesto. Failure to do so could lead to further political backlash and a loss of public trust.
Conclusion
Harish Rao’s allegations against the Congress government highlight ongoing political tensions in Telangana and raise questions about the state’s development trajectory. As these accusations unfold, the focus remains on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and maintain the confidence of the people of Telangana. The coming months will be crucial in determining the political and developmental direction of the state.
Disclaimer: This article presents the views and allegations made by BRS leader Harish Rao regarding the Congress-led government in Telangana. The content reflects his statements and does not constitute an endorsement or verification of the claims made. Readers are advised to refer to official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.