In a continuation of his criticism of former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stated on Sunday that a ‘drunkard’ cannot be considered the father of Telangana. This remark was made in response to comments from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Harish Rao, who had asserted that K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is the father of Telangana. Harish Rao demanded an apology from Revanth Reddy for previous derogatory remarks directed at KCR, emphasizing that while KCR is the father of Telangana, Revanth Reddy is merely the father of insults. Later that day, during a public meeting at Station Ghanpur in Warangal district, Revanth Reddy launched another round of criticism against KCR.
The Chief Minister questioned, "For whom is KCR regarded as the father of the nation? Can this so-called father of Telangana awaken without the scent of liquor surrounding him?" He emphasized that figures such as Konda Laxman Bapuji and Professor Jayashankar are the true fathers of Telangana. Revanth Reddy remarked, "A person who has embezzled vast sums of money, is addicted to alcohol, and has exploited the people of Telangana cannot be considered the father of the state." Additionally, the Chief Minister criticized the BRS leader for his absence from the Assembly, noting that he has been receiving a salary and allowances for the past 15 months without fulfilling his responsibilities. He questioned, "Why was he granted the status of leader of the opposition if he is not participating? Why is someone who is drawing public funds not contributing suggestions in the Assembly for the benefit of the people? Why is he not utilizing his experience for the welfare of the citizens?"
The Chief Minister remarked that KCR, who inherited Telangana as a financially stable state, left behind debts amounting to Rs 8.29 lakh crore for the Congress administration. In just one year, this government has paid Rs 84,000 crore in interest and Rs 64,000 crore in principle on the debts incurred during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of informing the public about the state's financial situation. Nevertheless, he affirmed that despite these financial challenges, the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises.
He outlined the measures taken over the past year to honor these commitments. Notably, 150 crore women in the state benefited from a free bus travel initiative, costing the government Rs 5,005 crore. Additionally, the government is providing 200 units of free electricity to 50 lakh families, has waived Rs 20,610 crore in farm loans, and created 57,946 government job opportunities.
The Chief Minister pledged to elevate Warangal to the same level as Hyderabad. He announced that the government has allocated Rs 6,500 crore for Warangal's development. He noted that it was during the tenure of the Congress government that Warangal received a coach factory and the green light for an airport. Additionally, he inaugurated development projects valued at Rs 800 crore in the Station Ghanpur constituency, which is represented by senior leader and former deputy chief minister Kadiyam Srihari, who transitioned to Congress from BRS last year.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)