Telangana sets new benchmarks in development: KCR hits back at Centre

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today said Telangana has set new benchmarks in development in the last 14 years.

"Telangana has set new benchmarks in development since its formation. The state's GSDP was Rs 5 lakh crore in 2013-14. It's now nearly Rs 12 lakh crore," he said addressing the gathering after unfurling tricolor.

KCR unfurled the national flag on Telangana Jathiya Samaikyatha Dinotsavam (Telangana National Integration Day) to commemorate Hyderabad's merger with the union of India 75 years ago. He hoisted the tricolor a few minutes after Union Minister Amit Shah at the parade ground.

In his speech, KCR briefly discussed how the princely state of Hyderabad became a part of Independent India. He recalled the struggle and sacrifices of freedom fighters who fought for Hyderabad's liberation. He specially mentioned Komaram Bheem, Doddi Komaraiah, Raavi Narayana Reddy, and Aruka Ramachandra Reddy.

"United Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956. Citizens of Telangana have felt inferior to Andhra Pradesh citizens since its inception. I fought for 14 years for separate Telangana. The state was finally formed in 2014," he said.

KCR emphasized the various welfare schemes including Haritha Haram, Mission Bhageeratha, and Palle Pattana Pragathihave been launched for the betterment of society,

Nearly seven lakh IT jobs have been created in Telangana in the last few years, KCR said.

KCR also said that 'disruptive forces are at work in the state'. "There are opportunists who have nothing to do with history and developments of the state who are trying to distort and pollute bright history of Telangana with petty politics," he said.

"I only hope that peace remains in Telangana and that there is no unrest," KCR said. "The rate at which development is taking place, I am sure we will soon become a top-notch state in the country," he said.