Harish Rao questions Congress govt on revenue targets, welfare spending and empty promises
BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in the Assembly, accusing it of setting unrealistic revenue targets and failing to deliver on welfare promises.
Hyderabad: BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao questioned the Congress government over the credibility of its budget projections and accusing it of neglecting welfare, farmers and weaker sections, while setting “unrealistic” revenue targets. He warned that the Congress government’s “all talk, no delivery” approach was exposed before the people.
Participating in the debate on budget demands in the Assembly on Wednesday, Harish Rao said commercial tax collections, which grew at 16 per cent annually for a decade under the previous BRS regime, had slowed sharply after the Congress came to power.
“Growth fell to six per cent in 2024-25 and three per cent in 2025-26, yet the government is projecting Rs 84,479 crore next year. How will you reach this target when GST rates have been cut and global conditions are uncertain?” he asked.
The BRSLP deputy leader questioned the steep jump proposed in excise revenue. “You earned Rs 34,603 crore this year but fixed a target of Rs 46,941 crore next year. Will you open more liquor shops and bars to raise an extra Rs 12,000 crore? Is there a new excise policy?” he asked, adding that several liquor brands were unavailable due to pending dues to suppliers.
He also said even ex-gratia to toddy tappers had not been cleared despite assurances by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and alleged harassment of toddy workers in the name of enforcement.
Harish Rao accused the government of gross under-utilisation of welfare funds. He said the SC Corporation received Rs 5,403 crore allocation over two years but spent only Rs 74 crore, while the ST Corporation spent just Rs 52 crore out of Rs 2,730 crore.
“You created Mala and Madiga corporations but gave them no money. This exposes your commitment to Dalits, tribals and BCs,” he said.
He sought clarity on farm loan waiver, crop insurance, procurement and delays in fee reimbursement and scholarships, alleging that the government had failed to honour election promises.
Harish Rao asked whether Dalit Bandhu benefits would be extended beyond select constituencies. He questioned the government for acquiring lands from SC and ST families, asking whether compensation was paid fairly.
Taking a swipe at the Treasury benches, Harish Rao said even minority welfare allocations were not being released. He cautioned Minorities Welfare Minister and former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin that unless he acted immediately, the Congress government might not release funds which would damage his reputation across the world. He triggered laughter from the members, stating that due to repeated allegations of the BRS over minorities welfare, Azharuddin secured the ministerial berth and wished that he was made MLC and retained as Minister.
