Telangana’s economy slipping under Congress rule: Harish Rao

BRS leader Harish Rao points out that State’s GST growth rate, which consistently remained above 6 per cent in the past six years (barring Covid-19 period), plummeted to just 1 per cent in February under Revanth Reddy’s leadership

Hyderabad: Former Minister and senior BRSMLA T Harish Rao has criticised the Congress government over Telangana’s declining tax revenues, stating that the State’s economic slowdown contradicts the Congress government’s claims of rising prosperity.

“Mr Chief Minister, it’s not Telangana rising, but rather Telangana’s tax collections falling,” Harish Rao remarked, urging the government to acknowledge its failures, apologise to the people and take corrective measures to revive the State’s economy.

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In a statement on Thursday, Harish Rao pointed out that the State’s GST growth rate, which consistently remained above 6 per cent in the past six years (barring the Covid-19 period) and showcased a robust growth trajectory, plummeted to just 1 per cent in February under Revanth Reddy’s leadership.

He cautioned that it was a symptom of a larger problem, indicating a decline in economic activity, reduced consumer spending and falling business confidence.

Additionally, vehicle tax revenues recorded a negative trend between April and November 2024, while registration tax collections dropped post-August 2024.

Harish Rao blamed the Congress government’s “thoughtless policies” concerning projects like HYDRAA and the Musi Riverfront Development Project for worsening the situation.

The BRS leader asserted that the government’s failure to boost tax revenues and revive economic momentum exposed the inefficacy of its policies, calling for urgent course correction.