‘An illusion’: Harish Rao dismisses BJP’s claims of coming to power in Telangana

Kalluru, Khammam: Telangana finance minister Harish Rao on Monday dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) aspirations of coming to power in the state while delivering a speech at an Athmeya Samelanam in Kalluru, Satthupalli constituency, Khammam district. He said half of the people who attended the Kalluru gathering were not present at the recent BJP rally held in Chevella and that many attendees were brought in from other districts.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including minister Ajay Kumar, MPs Nama Nageswara Rao and Parthasaradhi Reddy, former minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Rajya Sabha MPs Ravi Chandra and Medical Infrastructure Development Corporation chairman Errolla Srinivas, and local MLA Sandra Venkata Veeriah.

“The BJP’s claims that they will come to power is an illusion,” said Minister Harish Rao and added, “Will the deposit come in Khammam district? Will they come into power in the state? It’s not possible.”

‘We have a farmer’s government’

Minister Harish Rao went on to highlight the BRS government’s achievements in the agriculture sector, noting that the state has witnessed a significant increase in the cultivation of the Yasangi crop, from 14 lakh acres in 2014 to 56 lakh acres in 2023. He also mentioned that the government had bought crops worth Rs. 26,600 crores last year, up from Rs. 3,600 crores in 2014.

“Because KCR increased the value of the farmer, the value of the land increased,” said the minister, adding, “Farmers should not be discouraged by untimely rains. We have a farmer’s government. Farmer leader KCR.”

The minister also discussed the BRS government’s efforts to provide relief to farmers affected by crop loss due to untimely rains. He said that an announcement was made to provide Rs. 10,000 per acre in case of crop loss and that instructions had already been issued to the chief secretary to assess the crop damage.

Harish Rao Slams Amit Shah

Furthermore, minister Harish Rao criticised BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently visited the state, accusing him of trying to create divisions among castes and religions.

“What did he say yesterday? Did he talk about the 1,350 crores that should come as a right? Did he mention ITIR, the Bayyaram steel industry, or a national project?” asked Minister Harish Rao. “He left aside the one who leaked the paper,” he added.

The minister concluded his speech by highlighting the TRS government’s efforts to improve healthcare in the state. He said the government has established several medical colleges in the region and that the Sitarama project would provide water for every crop in the Khammam district in the coming months.

“No matter how many tricks anyone tries, we are the ones who hit the hat trick,” said the minister. He added, “We have a people’s government that is implementing many schemes without a guarantee. KCR fought for the people, and we will continue to do so.