Hyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Telangana, alleging large-scale corruption in the education sector, reckless borrowing, excessive spending on projects, and policies detrimental to farmers, students, employees, and common people. He claimed that the postponement of school reopening was linked to a massive scam in the education department.
School Reopening Delayed Due to Contract Scam
During an informal chat with the media at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday, Harish Rao stated that schools were not reopened on schedule because contracts for uniforms, bags, notebooks, belts, and other supplies had not been finalized due to commission-related issues. He explained that the previous BRS government had entrusted the stitching of uniforms to handloom workers and the manufacture of shoes and belts to LIDCAP to support Dalit families and local livelihoods. However, the Congress government allegedly centralized the process and handed contracts to a Gujarat-based contractor. As a result, nearly seven lakh Gurukul students have not yet received uniforms, bags, belts, or notebooks.
Luxury Spending Amidst Fiscal Crisis
Harish Rao criticized the government for spending on luxury items despite Chief Minister Revanth Reddy claiming that the state treasury lacked funds. He alleged that a luxury guest house named Bodhi Pavilion was being constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 100 crore near the Chief Minister's residence in Jubilee Hills. The project, initially sanctioned for Rs 7 crore as a VVIP guest house, had expanded into a Rs 100 crore facility, accompanied by additional spending on fencing and recreational infrastructure. He further alleged that the Chief Minister was spending nearly Rs 5 crore every month on helicopter travel, compared to about Rs 2 crore earlier. "If there is no money for fee reimbursement, farmers' welfare, employees' dues, and welfare funds, where is the money coming from for luxury guest houses and helicopter rides?" he asked.
Internal Conspiracy in Congress
Turning to Congress affairs, Harish Rao said the rejection of the nomination of Telangana Congress in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan was the result of an internal conspiracy by leaders within the party itself. "Curtailing the political prospects of one's own party in-charge reflects the internal state of the Congress. The CM must order an inquiry and reveal the truth behind this episode," he said.
BRS Pledges to Scrap Bharat Future City
The BRS deputy leader reiterated that the BRS government, after coming to power, would scrap the Bharat Future City project, as the state government had abandoned the Hyderabad Green Pharma City project and turned it into a real estate venture. The previous BRS government had secured all necessary environmental clearances for Pharma City and had completed substantial groundwork for the project. "I personally contributed 17 acres of land for Pharma City and was among the first landowners to support the project. By abandoning it, the Congress government has deprived Telangana of investments, revenue, and employment opportunities," he said.
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