Accusing that both Congress and BJP MPs, elected from Telangana became mum at New Delhi, unable their voice seeking funds for the development of the state, senior BRS leader and former finance minister T. Harish Rao took severe exception for sanctioning of Rs 100 crore to Andhra Pradesh for forthcoming Godavari pushkarams by the Center.
Whereas, he wondered not a single rupee was allocated to Telangana, though the river flowed in a large part in Telangana only. If BRS had a strong presence in Lok Sabha, he said they would never have allowed such a grave injustice to occur. Despite having eight BJP MPs, including two union ministers from Telangana, he deplored the state did not receive any funds.
‘Once again Telangana’s score is zero. Center has given funds of Rs.100 crore to Andhra Pradesh for Godavari Pushkaralu. But Telangana was given zero. BJP and Congress have failed miserably in fighting for the funds due to Telangana’, he added.
Godavari Pushkaralu will be held in 2027. It is in this context that the central government has released funds of Rs.100 crores to AP for the management of Pushkars. As part of the Akhanda Godavari project in the background of Pushkaralu, this Rs 100 crore funds have been allocated to the East Godavari district. In the wake of the release of funds from the Centre, the officials of the tourism department will soon start the work on Pushkara.
The BRS MLA reminded the glaring disparity in the union Budget allocations as well, where Andhra Pradesh received Rs 15,000 crore in additional grants, while Telangana got zero. “Is Telangana being sidelined again? Why this constant bias?” he asked.
Harish Rao asserted that Telangana should demand its rightful share and equal treatment with other states. “We will not settle for anything less than what our state rightfully deserves,” he affirmed. He demanded the union government to correct this injustice immediately and ensure that Telangana is treated on par with other states in all future allocations.
Meanwhile, the AP government hopes to organize the Godavari Pushkaralu in a grand manner. Officials are engaged in preparing proposals for the works to be undertaken. Municipal Minister Dr P. Narayana has already directed the officials to prepare a report in this regard. The Collector has formed a team to prepare proposals on the arrangements of Pushkar on the orders of the Minister.
