Funds Crunch: MLA Kunamneni warns of hunger strike over release of development funds

Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao has threatened to launch a hunger strike, criticising the State government for failing to release development funds for bus stands in his constituency. He alleged that funds are being selectively allocated to constituencies represented by the Chief Minister and Ministers, while others are ignored.

Kothagudem: Highlighting the sad state of affairs in the allocation of development funds to Assembly constituencies in the State, Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao threatened to take up a hunger strike for the release of funds.

The MLA’s remarks endorsed the reported complaints made during the recent Assembly budget session and on other occasions by several Congress legislators that funds were being released to the constituencies represented by the Chief Minister and certain Ministers, while the others were neglected.

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Sambasiva Rao lamented that despite having made proposals some time ago for allocation of Rs 10 crore for TGSRTC bus stands at Kothagudem and Paloncha in his constituency, neither the RTC nor the State government has released these funds to date.

Speaking at a programme organised as part of the ongoing 99-day action plan at Kothagudem bus stand on Thursday he warned that if funds were not released immediately for the development of Kothagudem and Paloncha bus stands, he would take up hunger strike.

While acknowledging that free travel in RTC buses for women under Mahalakshmi scheme was a beneficial initiative, Sambasiva Rao wondered how the RTC continues to function despite facing heavy losses, noting that the government currently owes the corporation Rs 2,600 crore in outstanding dues.

He expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of infrastructure in some locations, noting that the roofs of some bus stands were on the verge of collapse. Allocating Rs 5 crore to every bus depot across the State would significantly improve their condition.
The MLA urged the RTC officials to ensure that bus stands were kept clean at all times and that the mechanical condition of the buses was inspected regularly. He felicitated five women who had effectively utilised the Mahalakshmi scheme.

Kothagudem Municipal Corporation Mayor M Ganesh, depot manager Rajyalakshmi, RTC medical officer Venugopal, CPI district secretary Sabir Pasha and others were present.