Telangana gets a big zero in 2025-26 Union Budget

Despite a formal request for Rs 1.63 lakh crore in allocations for crucial infrastructure projects, not a single rupee allocated to the State

Hyderabad: The BJP-led Central government has once again demonstrated its apathy toward Telangana by completely ignoring the State’s Budget proposals, despite a formal request for Rs 1.63 lakh crore in allocations for crucial infrastructure projects.

Not a single rupee was allocated to the State in the Union Budget 2025-26, further deepening the financial injustice meted out to Telangana.

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Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka had submitted detailed proposals to the Centre, seeking funds for key projects such as the Regional Ring Road, Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II, Musi River Development, a Railway Coach Factory in Kazipet, Bayyaram Steel Plant, Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas, and other commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. However, Telangana’s proposals found no mention in the union Budget presented in the Parliament on Saturday, leaving the State empty-handed.

Economic experts point out that the State’s priorities were not aligned with the Centre’s funding patterns, which may have contributed to the neglect.

They argue that while the previous BRS government focused on irrigation projects, the current Congress-led government failed to clearly communicate its top priorities.

However, this does not justify the union government’s outright rejection of Telangana’s proposals, particularly when States aligned with the BJP continue to receive generous allocations.

The glaring indifference in budgetary allocations raises serious questions about the Centre’s commitment to cooperative federalism.

Telangana, a State that contributes around 5.1 per cent of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), finds itself treated as an outsider, while other NDA-led States benefit from substantial allocations. The latest budget has once again exposed the Centre’s step-motherly attitude, reinforcing the growing sentiment that Telangana is being systematically sidelined in national development planning.

Proposals for critical investments

• Regional Ring Road: Project estimated at Rs.34,367 cr, crucial for bolstering industrial growth, logistics, pharmaceutical sector
• Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2: 76.4-km expansion, costing Rs 24,269 crore, proposed as joint State-Centre ventureMusi Riverfront
• Development: Comprehensive project seeking Rs 14,100 cr to enhance urban infrastructure, secure 220 acres of defence land

Telangana also sought

• Release of pending grants totaling Rs 1,800 cr
• Intervention on financial liabilities, including Rs 2,547.07 cr in loans post-bifurcation
• Rs 495.2 cr from Andhra Pradesh for Central Sponsored Schemes