Prove claims on Central funds, KTR dares Bandi
If found true, I will resign as Minister, says TRS working president
Jogulamba Gadwal: IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao on Tuesday challenged State BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar to prove his allegations that Telangana was utilising Central funds for various welfare programmes in the State. “Sanjay should prove his claim and if found true, I will resign as Minister. And if he fails to do so, he should resign to his MP seat,” Rama Rao said.
Coming down heavily on the BJP leader, the Minister said, “In fact, it is the other way around with taxes collected in Telangana being utilised for taking up different works in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. The opposition should stop this sort of mudslinging against the State government.”
Tearing into both Congress and BJP, Rama Rao pointed out that Palamuru, which was once known for the migration of labour to other States in search of livelihood, was not only witnessing reverse migration but was also attracting labour from neighbouring States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
“Labourers from these two States can be seen working in agriculture fields in Mahabubnagar and other parts of the State now,” the Minister said, addressing a public meeting here at the end of a whirlwind day-long visit. The Minister went on to point out that some border villages in Maharashtra were keen on their merger with Telangana State after they saw the developmental programmes, 24 hours quality power supply, Rythu Bandhu and ample water to meet irrigation requirements. “What could not be achieved in 70 years prior to State formation has been achieved in just seven years. But still, the opposition parties turn a blind eye to the transformation achieved in a short period,” Rama Rao said.
Earlier in the day, the Minister laid foundation stones for various development works besides participating in inaugural functions. Some BJP workers tried to obstruct the Minister’s convoy while he was proceeding to attend a programme in the district. “I will arrange a bus for the BJP workers to visit Karnataka so that they will understand the situation and the various welfare programmes being implemented in Telangana. Do not get influenced by the false propaganda spread by BJP leaders,” he appealed.
The Minister found fault with the Central government for refusing to buy coarse varieties of paddy from Telangana. This move should be protested in Parliament and other platforms, he said, and urged farmers to focus on cultivating alternate crops like groundnut, chilli and cotton.
The Central government, he said, continues with its discrimination towards Telangana in sanctioning projects and educational institutes such as IIMs, Navodaya schools. The districts’ reorganisation had helped bring in better administration, besides facilitating rapid development. The State government has sanctioned 13 medical colleges across the State and one college would definitely be set up in Gadwal, he assured.
He reminded the people that it was TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao who highlighted the hardships of Valmiki and Boya communities during the Statehood movement. Soon after forming the government, a resolution was passed in the State Assembly to club the communities with the STs, he said, adding that the resolution was sent to Parliament for approval.
“I appeal to former Minister and BJP leader DK Aruna to use her good offices to exert pressure on the Central government in getting the approval,” Rama Rao said. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said a person, who was caught in the cash-for-vote scam, had now become the TPCC chief and speaks about ethics. “Congress can only boast about history but lacks future,” he said.
“The opposition leaders have made it a habit to personally abuse the Chief Minister only to grab headlines in newspapers. They should bear in mind that to win the Telangana people’s hearts, they should love Telangana more than the Chief Minister does,” he said.
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