In a direct appeal to the electorate, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday called upon the people, particularly in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district, to choose village sarpanches who would cooperate with the state government. He urged them to reject candidates backed by political parties he accused of "conspiring and creating obstacles" to welfare and development schemes.
Call for Support in Upcoming Local Elections
The Chief Minister made this appeal while addressing a public gathering in Makthal. The event was part of the Congress government's celebrations marking two years in power. Reddy, referring to himself as the people's "bidda" (son), asked for continued blessings similar to those received during the 2023 assembly elections.
"Do not fall prey to the lures of conspirators while casting your vote to elect sarpanches," he cautioned the crowd. He highlighted the historical neglect of the Palamuru region and asked for a decade of support to transform it into a model district for the entire nation.
Accusations Against BRS and Development Promises
Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). He accused the party of instigating auto-rickshaw drivers against the popular free bus travel scheme for women and of consistently blocking development initiatives.
He outlined his government's commitment to the region, stating, "Funds will flow and development will come." His promises included completing all pending irrigation projects, establishing educational institutions, providing a bonus for fine variety paddy, and ensuring the procurement of agricultural produce.
As a key example, he pointed to the Narayanpet-Kodangal lift irrigation project. He stated that work on this project began only after the Congress assumed power, after being ignored for ten years under the previous BRS regime. The compensation for land acquisition was enhanced to Rs 20 lakh, leading to 96% of landowners agreeing to part with their land. The CM asserted the project would be completed in two years and irrigate over one lakh acres.
Major Financial Sanctions and Foundation Stones Laid
The Chief Minister emphasized that his administration does not discriminate against constituencies represented by opposition MLAs. He revealed that sanctions for Young India Integrated Residential Schools worth Rs 2,800 crore had been granted for fourteen constituencies, including two held by non-Congress legislators.
During his visit, Reddy laid the foundation stone for development works valued at Rs 118.82 crore in Makthal municipality. These projects encompass infrastructure works worth Rs 8 crore, a Rs 25 crore sports complex, new classrooms and facilities at the KGBV for Rs 3.5 crore, and the first phase of the 26 km Makthal-Narayanpet road construction costing Rs 82.32 crore.
Additionally, he launched works amounting to Rs 151.92 crore in Atmakur and Amarachinta municipalities within the Makthal constituency, taking the total announced investment during the visit to over Rs 270 crore.
In his criticism of the previous government, Reddy singled out former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He claimed the people voted him out because "he did nothing for this backward district," despite Mahabubnagar having sent him to Parliament. The CM concluded by promising to develop Makthal to match the most advanced constituencies in Telangana.
