CM Revanth: Telangana flourished under Congress, faltered under BRS

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy asserted that Telangana witnessed true growth and welfare under Congress governments, both before and after realising Statehood, while the BRS regime plunged the state into debt and decay.

Addressing the ‘Meet the Press’ programme here on Sunday, the chief minister said the ‘People’s Government’ has revived Telangana’s spirit of development and vowed that Congress will continue to rule the state till 2034.

‘Congress laid the foundation for Telangana’s progress’

CM Revanth recalled that Sonia Gandhi kept her promise to deliver statehood to Telangana despite immense political hurdles. “The Congress party created Telangana, and now, it is rebuilding it,” he said.

He credited the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government for major welfare measures, including free power to farmers and the waiver of Rs 1,300 crore in electricity dues, while former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh implemented a Rs 73,000 crore loan waiver and ensured a fair Minimum Support Price for farmers.

Highlighting the Congress-era irrigation initiative Jalayagnam, the Chief Minister listed projects such as Kalwakurthy, Bima, Nettampadu, RDS, Indira Sagar, SLBC, Pranahita-Chevella, SSRP, Mid Manair and Sripada Yellampally that brought water security to the region.

‘KCR turned surplus Telangana into a debt-ridden state’

CM Revanth launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, accusing him of financial mismanagement and misplaced priorities.

“When KCR took charge, Telangana had a Rs 60,000 crore surplus, but he left behind a debt burden of Rs 8.11 lakh crore,” he said. “He wasted Rs 1.85 lakh crore on irrigation, including Rs 1 lakh crore on Kaleshwaram, which failed to irrigate even a single acre.”

The CM added that Telangana achieved the number one position in paddy production in India even without Kaleshwaram, proving that BRS’s grand claims were hollow.

‘KCR behaved like a blind Dhritarashtra’

Continuing his criticism, Revanth likened KCR to a ‘blind-eyed Dhritarashtra’ who failed to see the suffering of the people. “Changing directions of houses for Vastu doesn’t help when destiny itself is crooked,” he remarked sarcastically.

He also accused KT Rama Rao (KTR) of being consumed by power politics and said, “KTR failed his own sister and his father failed to restrain him.”

CM Revanth said BRS neglected education and health sectors, pointing out that universities were left without vice-chancellors, 5,000 schools were closed and Osmania Hospital and TIMS were ignored despite urgent need.

‘Kishan Reddy playing Gujarat Gulam role’

Taking on the BJP, CM Revanth alleged that Union Minister G Kishan Reddy is ‘acting like a Gujarat Gulam’ instead of standing up for Telangana’s interests.

He claimed that KTR colluded with Kishan Reddy to block the state’s development. “The people know who strengthened agriculture and who promoted pub culture,” he said, adding that BRS leaders “preferred hanging out with film stars over helping film workers.”

Congress promises continued rule till 2034

Confident of public support, the Chief Minister declared that the Congress government will continue till 2034, ensuring long-term stability and inclusive growth.

Appealing to voters in Jubilee Hills, he urged them to elect Congress candidate Naveen Yadav in the upcoming by-election to “strengthen the hands of the People’s Government and accelerate the city’s progress.”

Congress built Hyderabad’s global identity

CM Revanth emphasised that Hyderabad’s global stature as an IT and knowledge hub was a result of Congress policies. “Nearly 70 per cent of Fortune 500 companies’ GCCs are based in Hyderabad. Global players like Eli Lilly, McDonald’s, and American Airlines invested here because of Congress’s vision,” he said.

He noted that Ranga Reddy district has the highest per capita income in the country, and that 65 per cent of Telangana’s revenue comes from Hyderabad, reflecting the city’s strategic role in the state economy.

Recalling the contributions of PV Narasimha Rao, Indira Gandhi, and Jaipal Reddy, he credited them with land reforms, irrigation projects, and the Hyderabad Metro Rail, saying “KCR cannot erase the legacy Congress has built.”

‘Welfare and reform at the core of governance’

Highlighting his government’s welfare initiatives, CM Revanth listed key measures:

- Rs 7,100 crore spent on free RTC bus rides, reviving the corporation.

- Rajiv Aarogyasri limit raised to Rs 10 lakh for healthcare.

- Rs 3,000 crore Osmania Hospital project under way.

- Rs 21,000 crore farm loan waiver completed.

- Rs 9,000 crore Rythu Bharosa released in nine days.

- 200 units of free power, Rs 500 gas cylinders, and new ration cards distributed.

- BC caste census conducted, with demand for a national caste census.

- SC classification implemented first in Telangana.

- Establishment of Young India Skills University, Police School, and Young India Residential Schools.

- Plans to bring 20 TMC of Godavari water to Hyderabad.

‘People’s government belongs to the public’

Reaffirming his commitment, CM Revanth concluded, “The People’s Government belongs to the people. Congress created Telangana, and Congress will continue to develop it for the next decade.”