Latest news with #K.ChandrasekharRao
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Congress - The true custodian of Telangana's aspirations
Telangana's journey towards statehood is intrinsically interwoven with the relentless commitment of the Indian National Congress (INC). As the state commemorates its Formation Day on June 2, it is only fitting that we reflect upon the pivotal role played by the Congress party and its towering leader Sonia Gandhi in transforming the dream of millions into a constitutional reality. For decades, people from all walks of life in Telangana voiced their demand for self-determination and regional justice. Despite immense political challenges and calculated resistance, it was Sonia Gandhi who, moved by the genuine aspirations and struggles of the region's populace, took an unwavering stand to realise their long-cherished dream. Her decision to support the formation of Telangana was not borne out of political expediency but out of a principled belief in justice, federalism, and regional equity. One cannot speak of Telangana without honouring the courage and statesmanship of Sonia Gandhi. She understood the historical, cultural, and emotional context of the Telangana movement. At the 2004 rally in Karimnagar, she pledged to deliver a separate state. In keeping with that promise, on December 9, 2009, the UPA Government, under her leadership, initiated the formal process of Telangana state's creation. Despite intense opposition and political pressure, she stood her ground, coordinating with alliance partners to ensure the passage of the Telangana Bill in Parliament. Ultimately, in 2014, the 29th state of the Indian Union was born through a democratic, constitutional, and transparent process. Importantly, Sonia Gandhi did not ignore the concerns of people from Seemandhra. With genuine concern for all regions, she extended assurances of special status to Andhra Pradesh, sanctioned financial packages for backward areas, and promised national project status for Polavaram. Tragically, the succeeding BJP government at the Centre summarily ignored these solemn promises, subjecting both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to blatant discrimination in the allocation of funds, projects and constitutional rights. As Telangana steps into its twelfth year of existence, a look back at the last decade reveals a sobering truth. While the Congress sowed the seeds of its birth, others reaped the political fruits. The BRS government, led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who assumed power capitalising on emotional rhetoric, failed to live up to its lofty promises. The pledge to appoint a Dalit Chief Minister remained unfulfilled. The promise of three acres of land for Dalits became a cruel joke. Government jobs for every household were replaced with political offices for family members. Despite inheriting a revenue-surplus state in 2014, its 10-year rule left Telangana deeply mired in debt. Public sector employees, marginalised communities, farmers, and youth found themselves betrayed by a regime more interested in dynastic entrenchment than democratic empowerment. Against this backdrop, the return of Congress in the 2023 elections marked the dawn of a new chapter, one shaped by responsibility, inclusivity, and governance grounded in the vision of 'Indiramma Rajyam'. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the Congress government has swiftly rolled out welfare and development schemes with unwavering commitment. Women's empowerment has become a cornerstone of governance. Through the Mahalakshmi Scheme, free bus travel for women across RTC services now benefits over 30 lakh women daily. Free electricity of up to 200 units is easing the financial burden of over 50 lakh households. The ₹500 gas cylinder subsidy has brought substantial relief to 40 lakh families. Enhanced Aarogyasri coverage of ₹10 lakh ensures the poorest of the poor receive life-saving medical care. Housing and food security are also being prioritised. The construction of 4.5 lakh Indiramma houses and the issuance of over 40 lakh ration cards are underway. Meanwhile, the Indira Mahila Shakti programme aims to economically empower one crore women, positioning Telangana as a model for gender-responsive governance. The Congress government has been equally sensitive to the plight of farmers our annadatas. Loan waivers worth ₹21,000 crore; ₹12,000 annual income support under Rythu Bharosa, and a ₹500 per quintal bonus on paddy have infused confidence among farmers. Tenant farmers, often ignored, now receive ₹12,000 annually a policy unparalleled anywhere in India. A significant reform was the scrapping the problematic Dharani land portal. The Congress introduced 'Bhoobharthi', a citizen-friendly land record system that has already become a benchmark for other states. Over 60,000 new government jobs have been created, while schemes like Rajiv Yuva Vikas have disbursed financial aid to five lakh young entrepreneurs. Telangana's resurgence is also visible on the global stage. Investments worth ₹1.78 lakh crore secured at the Davos summit are a testament to the state's growing appeal under the Congress administration. Social justice is no longer a slogan but an implemented policy. Congress has undertaken a scientific caste census and ensured 42 per cent reservation for backward classes in local bodies. By completing SC sub-categorisation and extending legal backing to reservations, the Revanth Reddy government is setting a national precedent. It is ironic that while BRS reduced BC reservation from 34 per cent to 23 per cent, the BJP-led Union Government continues to delay legislation for implementing the 42 per cent quota. The Congress party's commitment to Telangana remains unmatched from Sonia Gandhi's principled stand for statehood to Revanth Reddy's proactive governance. The people of Telangana have once again reaffirmed their trust in a party that keeps its word. The contrast is stark while BRS presided over lost opportunities, the Congress is scripting a new era of hope, dignity, and inclusive growth. Telangana was given by Congress; Telangana is being nurtured by Congress. Indeed, for the people of this state, Congress remains the unwavering 'Abhaya Hastam' the Hand of Protection. (Rachamalla Siddeshwar is the Chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan, Telangana)
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
KTR showcases Telangana's growth during BRS rule at London meet
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has stated that BRS rule for over nine years in Telangana had proved that strong leadership and sincerity to transform the lives of people would make excellent progress possible as the State stood at the top in wealth creation and its distribution among people. Speaking on the topic 'Why Telangana matters' as part of the Bridge India Week meet in London on Friday, he shared Telangana's experience and thoughts on development and welfare with model path and policies and how the distribution of wealth created among the marginalised sections had made Telangana secure a special place in the country. Stating that the government led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao had achieved a fine balance between welfare and development, he said that those inclusive initiatives had taken Telangana from the 12th position in the country to first in the matter of per capita income. On Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, he said that it was the first such project in the world to lift water from 80 metres above mean sea level to over 620 metres to irrigate 45 lakh acres. Providing treated drinking water to every household with surface water, achieving 156% growth in per capita income in a decade, industry-friendly policies making Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook to have their largest campuses outside the US in Telangana, increasing IT and ITES exports from ₹56,000 crore in 2014 to ₹2.41 lakh crore in 2023, creation of 24 lakh jobs in the private sector were among many achievements of the BRS Government, he noted.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BRS leaders should quit their posts till probes are completed: BJP
The BJP has demanded the BRS leaders, including former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, his son and former Minister K.T. Rama Rao, nephew and former Minister T. Harish Rao and his daughter and MLC K. Kavita, resign from their respective posts accepting moral responsibility even if they are 'not guilty' about the various scams during the previous government's tenure. Party vice president and former MLA N.V.S.S. Prabhakar told a media conference that it is not enough for the BRS leaders to profess innocence in front of the press or television media personnel on the various corruption charges. Rather, they should cooperate with the investigating agencies if they have nothing to hide and accept any political posts or positions only after getting a clean chit. The entire Telangana wants to know the story behind the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) imbroglio and various contentious issues like the illegal phone tapping, liquor and land deals, Formula-E racing, animal husbandry deals, etc., which are under investigation with all the above mentioned leaders getting notices from various investigative agencies. It is unprecedented that top leaders of a regional-family party are in the dock at the same time, he said. The BJP leader insisted that contrary to what the BRS leaders have been claiming, the notices issued by the investigative agencies are related to corruption issues and has nothing to do with politics. 'Insult to people' In a separate press conference, Rajya Sabha MP and national OBC Morcha president K. Laxman has said that it is an insult to the people of Telangana that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other ruling party leaders had to be kept waiting in Delhi seeking audience of the high command. 'The Chief Minister is said to have made 36 trips to Delhi. Though he belongs to a national party and has to consult his top leadership, making him and other leaders wait for days does not auger well. In any case, nothing seems to be come out of the elaborate discussions whether it is rejigging the party organisation or taking new Ministers into the cabinet,' he said. Mr. Laxman also took offence to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticising the Modi government and said the latter had done more in the last 11 years which the Congress-led governments failed to do so when in power.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Govt. ready for debate on Kaleshwaram and welfare schemes, says Revanth
Taking a dig at Opposition leader K. Chandrasekhar Rao for his comments against the State government, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed willingness to hold an elaborate debate on the Kaleshwaram project, free bus service, loan waiver, Rythu Bandhu, SC classification and caste census. 'Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao should decide which of these issues should be discussed. He is spewing venom against the government,' the Chief Minister said while addressing an event to mark Mahatma Basaveswara's birth anniversary. He recalled how the BRS leader had criticised the government at the party's silver jubilee public meeting held in Warangal. The State government had, in fact, helped the Opposition party by providing buses for the celebrations. 'People would have appreciated if the leader (Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao) listed out the good things which the government did and talked about issues of public importance,' he said. He took a jibe at the BRS president for not attending Assembly proceedings. 'The leader had been drawing salary and allowances without coming out of his house. Which law allows this? He drew ₹65 lakh in salary, used government vehicles and had police security, all while skipping his responsibilities as leader of Opposition. People are asking why he slept at the farmhouse instead of discharging his duties as Opposition leader,' Mr. Reddy said. He wondered what message Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao hoped to convey to the people by confining himself to the farmhouse and harping on stoppage of welfare schemes. 'Which of the schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Aarogyasri, free power to farmers, Shaadi Mubarak and Kalyana Lakshmi had been stopped? What does he wants to achieve through hateful speeches and by provoking people? People very well know which government has done what,' the CM said, asserting that the Congress would continue in power for 10 years given its focus on development and welfare. Referring to Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao's claim that Congress was the 'first villain of Telangana', he said: 'Why has the Congress become a villain? Is it for achieving a separate Telangana? Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao and his family looted the State for 10 years and he has no moral right to criticise the Congress.'
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP questions KCR's sudden love for Maoists
The BJP has accused former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao of supporting violence by Maoists in Chhattisgarh during his public speech on Sunday and questioned why he did not think of inviting the outlawed group for talks during his 10 years in power. In separate press conferences, legislature party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy, general secretaries - K. Venkateswarlu and G. Premender Reddy - said Mr. Rao only wants to make political capital and so is suddenly remembering the Maoists. Several Maoist cadre were killed in numerous encounters which had occurred under Mr. Rao's rule in the separate Telangana, and also in united Andhra Pradesh, where the latter was very much part of the ruling clique as the Cabinet Minister for many years, they charged. Mr. Maheshwar Reddy also demanded a CBI probe into the various acts of omission and commission during the erstwhile BRS government led by KCR. An 'underhand' deal between Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Mr. Rao has put a stop to the investigations into the various questionable deals during the BRS rule, he alleged. The BJP leader charged Mr. Rao of 'destroying' Telangana in the name of constructing projects and pushing it into a debt trap of ₹8 lakh crore, including building ₹1 lakh crore Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project, which is of no use as 'not a single acre' got benefitted. 'Mr. Rao is a total failure and people no longer trust him since they have not forgotten the dark deeds of his government,' he said. The Centre has sanctioned 'lakhs and crores of rupees' for railway projects and national highway. Mr. Venkateshwarlu and Mr. Premender Reddy condemned Mr. Rao's speech and remarked that the tone and tenor reflected 'arrogance' and 'dictatorial attitude.' The leaders also questioned why none of the Telangana martyrs were remembered during the public meeting and how it has become a 'father and son show' with senior leader T. Harish Rao 'ignored'.
