New Delhi December 26
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka addressed the media at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi following a significant meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by CM Revanth Reddy. Emphasizing the importance of the encounter, Vikramarka highlighted the efforts made to safeguard Telangana’s interests under the spirit of democracy and federalism.
The Deputy CM brought to the Prime Minister’s attention the state’s rights and entitlements outlined in the Partition Act, a crucial aspect of the special state formation program. He underscored the long-standing fight for water, funds, and appointments for Telangana, expressing disappointment in the previous government’s failure to secure these rights over the past decade.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi was apprised of the urgency to implement the rights and guarantees stipulated in the Partition Act. Specific appeals were made for the expedited establishment of Bayyaram Steel Industry, Kazipet Railway Coach Factory, and ITIR projects. Vikramarka requested consideration for the Palamuru Rangareddy lift project to address the state’s water needs, in line with the Partition Act.
The Deputy CM highlighted the appeal to release pending grants, totaling around 1800 crore rupees from 2019-20 to 2023-24. Notably, concerns were raised regarding the impact of the BRS on Telangana’s financial systems, prompting an appeal to the Prime Minister for the release of pending dues to navigate the current financial challenges.
Vikramarka specifically requested the release of 450 crore rupees pending for the years 2019-20 and 2020-21, along with the swift release of 2,250 crore rupees in grants from the central government. The Deputy CM stressed the importance of this support for the economic sustainability of the state, completion of pending irrigation projects, and strengthening educational and medical systems.
In response, the Prime Minister assured positive consideration, stating that the Center would extend assistance to the state in a manner consistent with their needs. A comprehensive report on the economic conditions of Telangana, including details from the white paper introduced in the assembly, was presented to Prime Minister Modi during the meeting.
