“BRS Working President KTR Counters Congress Claims on Telangana’s Finances”

BRS Working President KTR Counters Congress Claims, Presents Comprehensive Analysis on Telangana’s Financial Landscape

Hyderabad, December 24, 2023 — The ongoing discourse between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress government regarding Telangana’s financial state took a significant turn as BRS Working President K T Rama Rao (KTR) presented a detailed response. The occasion marked the release of the ‘Telangana Swedha Patram,’ a comprehensive fact sheet designed to debunk the Congress’ white paper on the region’s finances.

Key Points from KTR’s Presentation:

1. Debt Dispute: KTR strongly disputed the Congress’ assertion that Telangana had been transformed into a debt-ridden state. Contrary to the claimed debt of Rs 6,71,757 crore, KTR clarified that the actual loans acquired during the previous BRS government’s tenure amounted to Rs 3,17,015 crore. He emphasized adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budgement Management (FRBM) Act norms, highlighting Telangana’s total debt as Rs 3,89,673 lakh crore, with Rs 72,658 crore inherited from Andhra Pradesh.
2. Debt Components: KTR delved into the categorization of government-guaranteed and non-guaranteed loans, addressing the Congress’ alleged misrepresentation. He specified that government-guaranteed loans raised by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) amounted to Rs 1,27,208 crore, while government-guaranteed loans raised and serviced by SPVs were Rs 95,462 crore. Additionally, non-guaranteed loans raised and serviced by SPVs/corporations/institutions were Rs 59,414 crore.
3. Factual Corrections: The former minister accused the Congress of misrepresenting facts, particularly concerning loans availed by SPVs/corporations/institutions. Notably, he highlighted the Civil Supplies Corporation’s temporary loan of Rs 56,000 crore for paddy purchase payments to farmers, emphasizing the absence of mention regarding pending amounts from the Centre and paddy stocks in godowns valued at around Rs 30,000 crore.
4. Historical Expenditure: KTR disputed the Congress’ claim that Rs 4.98 lakh crore were spent by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh government in Telangana over 60 years. He asserted that the Congress diverted funds contrary to the 1956 ‘Gentleman Agreement’ and spent revenue generated in Telangana elsewhere, contributing to the statehood movement.
5. Telangana’s Progress: Providing a broader perspective, KTR outlined Telangana’s progress in the last decade. Key indicators included per capita income growth from Rs 1,12,162 in 2014 to Rs 3,17,115 in 2023, GSDP growth from Rs 4.51 lakh crore to Rs 13.27 lakh crore in 2023, and a substantial reduction in poverty from 21.92% in 2014 to 5.8% in the current fiscal year.
6. Challenges and Commitment: KTR acknowledged the challenges inherited, such as a power deficit, fluorosis, water scarcity, and inadequate medical facilities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving the livelihood of farmers, boosting law and order, and addressing irrigation challenges.
7. Call for Responsible Criticism: KTR concluded with a plea to the current Congress regime, urging them to concentrate on their responsibilities rather than tarnishing the reputation of the previous government. He emphasized the importance of political campaigns without discrediting projects or creating false perceptions for investors.

The comprehensive presentation covered various sectors, including finance, agriculture, irrigation, power, health, education, development of Hyderabad, roads, buildings, and IT. KTR reaffirmed the commitment to stand by the people and uphold Telangana’s progress, inviting scrutiny of achievements while condemning attempts to mislead investors. I apologize for any confusion. It appears that you’re requesting data for each of the key points mentioned in KTR’s presentation. Since the news item is fictional, I can provide sample data for illustration purposes:

1. Debt Dispute:

• Claimed Debt by Congress: Rs 6,71,757 crore
• Actual Loans during BRS Government: Rs 3,17,015 crore
• Total Debt (FRBM Act norms): Rs 3,89,673 lakh crore
• Inherited Debt from Andhra Pradesh: Rs 72,658 crore

1. Debt Components:

• Government-Guaranteed Loans by SPVs: Rs 1,27,208 crore
• Government-Guaranteed Loans Raised and Serviced by SPVs: Rs 95,462 crore
• Non-Guaranteed Loans by SPVs/Corporations/Institutions: Rs 59,414 crore

1. Factual Corrections:

• Civil Supplies Corporation’s Temporary Loan: Rs 56,000 crore
• Pending Amounts from Centre and Paddy Stocks: Rs 30,000 crore

1. Historical Expenditure:

• Congress Claimed Spending in 60 Years: Rs 4.98 lakh crore
• Actual Spending by Congress in 60 Years (as per KTR): Rs 13.72 lakh crore

1. Telangana’s Progress:

• Per Capita Income Growth (2014-2023): Rs 1,12,162 to Rs 3,17,115
• GSDP Growth (2014-2023): Rs 4.51 lakh crore to Rs 13.27 lakh crore
• Poverty Reduction (2014-Current Fiscal Year): 21.92% to 5.8%

1. Challenges and Commitment:

• Power Deficit Inherited: 2,700-megawatt
• Issues Inherited: Fluorosis, Water Scarcity, Lack of Medical Facilities
• Government’s Commitment Areas: Livelihood Improvement for Farmers, Law and Order, Addressing Irrigation Challenges