BRS Demands Privilege Motion Over Alleged Misleading Debt Figures by Deputy CM
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Legislative Party has urged Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad to permit a privilege motion against Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. The motion seeks to address alleged discrepancies in Telangana’s debt figures presented by the government.
Debt Data Discrepancy
The BRS accused the Finance Minister of inflating the state’s debt to ₹7 lakh crore, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report cites ₹3.89 lakh crore.
“The Finance Minister’s statements have misled both the Assembly and the people of Telangana,” said BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR). He referenced the RBI’s Handbook of Statistics on Indian States to substantiate the party’s claims.
KTR urged the government to provide accurate debt figures or allow a debate on the privilege motion. He also cited legislative precedence, recalling a similar motion against then-Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy during Speaker Manohar’s tenure.
Criticism on Governance Priorities
KTR criticised the government for ignoring critical issues like the imprisonment of Lagacherla farmers while focusing on tourism debates in the Assembly. The farmers’ imprisonment is especially significant, he noted, as it occurred in Speaker Gaddam Prasad’s home district, Vikarabad.
In a sarcastic remark, KTR coined the terms “Delhi Tourism” and “Jail Tourism,” accusing the government of prioritising frequent Delhi visits and jailing opposition voices, including farmers and social media activists.
Concerns Over Legislative Norms
KTR questioned the government’s commitment to transparency, pointing out Finance Minister Vikramarka’s announcement of financial aid for tenant farmers outside the Assembly. The announcement, which promised ₹12,000 in aid for agricultural labourers, was criticized as a breach of legislative procedure.
“Policy decisions must be announced in the Assembly to allow debate and scrutiny,” KTR said, urging the Speaker to uphold legislative norms.
Restrictions and Financial Issues
The BRS raised concerns about new restrictions barring former MLAs from entering the Assembly, contrasting this with the openness during the BRS regime. Additionally, they highlighted the government’s selective allocation of funds, prioritising contractors while neglecting unpaid dues to sarpanches.
KTR also condemned the restriction on protest symbols and placards in the Assembly, accusing the government of silencing dissent.
Public Distrust in Government Promises
Challenging the credibility of the government’s welfare schemes, KTR remarked, “The public no longer trusts Sankranti schemes or votes in the name of deities. The government has failed to deliver on its commitments.”
The privilege motion, if approved, could spark intense debates in the Assembly, with the BRS seeking accountability on financial transparency and governance.
