Dallas: KTR reaffirms BRS’ commitment to Telangana

The BRS working president exuded confidence that the party would return to power in Telangana and K Chandrashekhar Rao would return as the Chief Minister within three years, to set the State back on development track.

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Monday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to Telangana’s development, regardless of whether it was in power or in the opposition. He expressed confidence that BRS would return to power within three years, with K Chandrashekhar Rao once again leading the State as Chief Minister.

He was addressing a large gathering of Telugu NRIs from across the US during the BRS silver jubilee and Telangana Formation Day celebrations at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco on Sunday. The auditorium echoed with chants of ‘Jai Telangana’.

Rama Rao said electoral setbacks were temporary, but the party’s commitment to Telangana was unwavering. “Just like a child is handed over to others when the mother falls ill, Telangana is in others’ hands, but will soon be back in safe hands,” he said.

He recalled the 14-year-long struggle for statehood led by Chandrashekhar Rao, who, inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr BR Ambedkar and Martin Luther King Jr, achieved what once seemed impossible.

Highlighting the transformation over the past decade, he noted that Telangana had evolved from a drought-hit region into one of India’s most progressive States. He cited key metrics during BRS’ tenure, including a rise in GSDP from Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 15 lakh crore in 2023, and an increase in per capita income from Rs 1.12 lakh to Rs 3.56 lakh.

Countering allegations over debt during the BRS regime, Rama Rao called them “ignorant lies” and said borrowings were invested productively. “We are ranked 24th in debt among States while being among the top five in growth. We borrowed to invest productively, turn into wealth, and redistribute it among the people,” he said.

He credited BRS initiatives such as Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, Mission Bhagiratha and the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project for reversing migration, ending droughts, and restoring hope. “From barren lands to lush fields, from darkness to 24×7 power—this is the K Chandrashekhar Rao model of governance,” he said.

He also refuted criticism of the Kaleshwaram project, stating that while the Congress focused on two damaged piers, farmers could see the larger transformation. “Political propaganda should not deprive the State of its rightful share of water,” he added.

Calling on the diaspora to contribute to Telangana’s growth, Rama Rao urged them to take inspiration from leaders like PV Narasimha Rao and K Chandrashekhar Rao. Recalling his 2015 US visit, he shared how he told consulate officials that his leader was not just a Chief Minister, but the architect of statehood.

“You are not Non-Resident Indians, you are Necessary Residents of India. Continue excelling abroad, but never forget your roots. Telangana is proud of each of you,” he said.