Hyderabad: The recent speech by BRS leader and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao at the party’s Rajotsava event has sparked strong reactions from state ministers. Revenue Minister P. Srinivas Reddy, along with ministers Seethakka, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Ponnam Prabhakar, condemned KCR for his negative rhetoric and accused him of attempting to portray Congress as the villain without offering any constructive solutions.
In a media interaction in Hyderabad, Minister Srinivas Reddy criticized KCR for his venomous speech, stating that it lacked any positive suggestions or advice. He questioned KCR’s portrayal of Congress as the villain, noting, “Congress is responsible for Telangana’s creation. After the people elected KCR twice, they witnessed how the state deteriorated under his rule. The previous government’s mismanagement turned Telangana from a prosperous state to one riddled with debt. Despite this, we continue to implement welfare programs for the people.”
The ministers also pointed out KCR’s lack of participation in Assembly sessions after Congress assumed power, noting that KCR attended only two sessions during his tenure as Chief Minister. Reddy further emphasized that while KCR governed the state autocratically, their government has been open and transparent. “Congress governance has proven successful, but KCR can’t tolerate this and resorts to spreading poison,” Reddy said.
The ministers also mocked KCR’s inconsistent statements, such as his earlier comment about rice cultivation being akin to suicide, yet now growing rice himself on 150 acres. They also refuted KCR’s accusations about the BRS government, citing that contractors owed Rs 82,000 crore to the state, and Panchayats under their government had not held elections for years.
They denied the claims of obstructing the BRS event, questioning how it could have been disrupted if they had been involved. The ministers called on KCR to address pressing issues like the sale of university properties and irregularities in the Dharani portal, and criticized his failure to address the Kaleshwaram project’s shortcomings, despite a report from the National Dam Safety Authority.
The ministers challenged KCR to engage in a public debate on any issue in the Assembly and pointed out that KCR’s treatment of BC and Dalit leaders within his party was deeply problematic. They argued that KCR, still hoping to regain power, was trying to deceive the public.
Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka argued that KCR’s remarks stemmed from frustration after losing power and emphasized that KCR was more focused on family disputes than on addressing the public’s concerns. Seethakka also highlighted the government’s achievements, including the creation of 59,000 jobs in just 15 months and the launch of free bus travel for women.
This exchange of criticisms underscores the ongoing political tensions in Telangana as the 2024 elections draw closer.
