Hyderabad, Feb 1: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao strongly criticized the Union Budget 2025-26, accusing both the BJP and Congress of failing Telangana. He demanded an apology from both national parties for their continued neglect of the state’s interests.
K.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, emphasized that the Union Budget has once again proven that national parties are incapable of safeguarding Telangana’s interests. He specifically targeted Telangana’s BJP ministers, Congress MPs, and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, urging them to apologize for their inability to secure adequate funds for the state.
Key Allegations and Criticisms:
- Neglect Despite Representation: KTR pointed out that Telangana has sent 16 MPs—eight each from BJP and Congress—to Parliament, yet the state has received “absolutely nothing” from the Union Budget.
- Secret Deals Allegation: He alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been making secret deals with the BJP, compromising Telangana’s interests in Central allocations.
- Bias in Fund Allocation: The BRS leader accused the BJP-led Central government of prioritizing BJP-ruled states while sidelining Telangana in budget allocations.
- Ineffectiveness of Telangana MPs: KTR criticized Telangana’s BJP MPs and ministers, claiming they have been ineffective and powerless in securing funds.
Unfulfilled Commitments:
KTR condemned the Central government for ignoring Telangana in critical sectors, including higher education institutions like IIT, IIM, IISER, NID, and IIIT. He also criticized the government for failing to fulfill promises made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, such as establishing the Bayyaram Steel Plant and granting national status to key irrigation projects.
Regional Parties vs. National Parties:
Highlighting the growing importance of regional parties, KTR cited Bihar and Andhra Pradesh as examples where regional leadership has been more effective in securing budgetary benefits. He accused the BJP of deceiving Telangana while offering significant incentives to poll-bound Bihar.
Federalism Under Threat:
KTR asserted that the BJP’s neglect of South Indian states, despite their substantial contributions to the national exchequer, undermines the spirit of federalism. “The Central government’s discriminatory approach towards Telangana has once again been exposed in this budget,” he concluded.
