Discontent brewing among Congress MLAs over delay in development funds, Ministerial bottlenecks

Discontent is brewing among legislators in the State, especially among ruling party MLAs, who are finding themselves increasingly cornered due to the delay in the release of Constituency Development Funds

Hyderabad: Discontent is brewing among legislators in the State, especially among ruling party MLAs, who are finding themselves increasingly cornered due to the delay in the release of Constituency Development Funds (CDF). They are citing bureaucratic hurdles and “ministerial gatekeeping” that is stalling basic but crucial local works, leaving a major portion of Rs.1,190 crore remaining unutilised from the last fiscal year.

Nearly a year and a half since taking office, the Congress government has yet to empower the MLAs with access to meaningful funds for development. After the Congress government was formed in December 2023, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made a grand announcement in January 2024 replacing the CDF with Special Development Fund and allocating Rs.10 crore per constituency annually, i.e., a total Rs.1,190 crore for 2024-25.

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However, the ground reality tells a different story. No significant works have been executed in many areas, as fund proposals still require clearance from district in-charge Ministers, an arrangement MLAs say is causing unnecessary delays and political discomfort. Sources said, on an average, not even Rs.1.5 crore worth of development has materialised on the ground in each constituency during the last fiscal year. The situation in the constituencies represented by the opposition MLAs and MLCs is much worse.

From road repairs to drinking water borewells, even the most basic of works are stuck in red tape.

“We are not able to sanction even minor projects without running after Ministers. If this continues, people won’t allow us back into our own villages,” said one disgruntled MLA. Others fear losing touch with local party workers due to their inability to deliver on promises.

The situation stands in stark contrast to the previous BRS regime, where development funds were released to all MLAs and MLCs regardless of party affiliation. During the BRS regime, the then Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao increased the budget allocation to Rs.5 crore annually on par with the MPLADS. The funds were released by the district collectors for works recommended by the legislators.

Political observers note that current Congress legislators, many of whom spent crores to win their seats, are beginning to feel betrayed by their own leadership. “There is growing concern that if development doesn’t pick up pace soon, the party will pay a price in the next election,” said another senior legislator.

Several MLAs are now openly demanding that the Rs.10 crore per constituency be placed under their direct control, warning that without it, the very purpose of grassroots representation is being defeated. They fear that if this trend continues, they won’t even be able to retain the loyalty of their core cadre, let alone face voters in 2028.

What is the Constituency Development Fund?

The CDF is exclusive to the MLAs and MLCs of the State Legislature on the lines of MPLADs funds for the Parliament members where they can sanction specific development works within the amount allocated. Under the CDF, the elected representatives can propose work for drinking water and drainage pipelines, public healthcare buildings, school buildings, tanks, CC roads, CCTVs, tree plantation, local public infrastructure and streetlights. Of the total amount granted, 40 per cent has to be spent on green campaign and some on development of SC and ST colonies, an official said.