"Stop threatening people who invest in Telangana," minister Sridhar Babu to KTR

Hyderabad: Telangana IT minister Sridhar Babu lashed out at Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K T Rama Rao's allegations against the new Industrial policy and land conversion fees stating that "KTR's perspective hasn't changed and that he is spreading falsehoods and malicious propaganda."

Countering KTR's Allegations

Minister Sridhar Babu alleged that the former BRS government had unleased a financial anarchy in Telangana.

He clarified the issue surrounding the conversion of leasehold lands to freeholds:

Conversion Fee Clarification: The Minister asserted that the current government is attempting to implement an "impact fee" for converting leasehold lands to freehold, based on Government Orders (GOs) that were issued during the previous BRS government's tenure.

Refuting the 30% Claim: Sridhar Babu specifically addressed KTR's claim that the fee amounted to 30% of the land value, stating this is false. He stressed, "KTR's 30% is not the value of the land... it is only the conversion fee."

Inconsistent Remarks: The Minister noted that KTR's remarks displayed a lack of connection between the freehold status and the original leasehold land, accusing him of making "irresponsible and baseless statements." He added that "truth-defying words are BRS's own."

Expected Revenue and Economic Disruption

Sridhar Babu estimated that the conversion process would generate significant revenue for the state:

"We anticipate that the conversion will bring in approximately ₹4,000 crores to ₹5,000 crores," he projected.

He then accused BRS leaders of attempting to sabotage the state's economic progress:

Obstructing Investment: The Minister alleged that BRS leaders are resorting to "threats to prevent investments" from coming into the state.

Targeting Revenue: "BRS is trying to damage the state's revenue streams and prevent investments," he stated, adding that companies that want industries can choose to apply and pay the required fees.

BRS hypocrisy: Sridhar Babu pointed out the hypocrisy in the BRS's current stance, referencing their actions while in power:

He highlighted that the current government is only "implementing the GOs brought in during the previous government."

The Grid Policy: The Minister brought up the Grid Policy implemented by the BRS government concerning government lands, suggesting the need to investigate their past actions. "They brought a policy by taking a conversion fee then... KTR should explain how many lakhs of crores were involved in that matter," he challenged.

Challenge on Unsubstantiated Claims

Responding to KTR's claims regarding specific individuals in the government and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs):

Challenge to Prove Allegations: Sridhar Babu firmly stated that the individuals named by KTR "are not in the government."

Action Pledged: He challenged KTR to "reveal the evidence" of an agreement made with anyone and promised, "The government will take action if he proves that individuals with the names he mentioned signed an MOU."

Plea for Evidence: The Minister urged KTR to stop making "unsubstantiated allegations" and to speak with evidence.

The Minister concluded by suggesting that the BRS, having lost in Jubilee Hills, is acting arbitrarily, trying to "obstruct the plan to make Hyderabad a Global City."