Telangana Minister Alleges 11 Years of Budgetary Injustice by BJP-Led Centre
In a strong statement from Hyderabad, BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has leveled serious allegations against the BJP-led central government, claiming that Telangana has faced systematic injustice in fund allocation and project approvals across the last eleven Union Budgets. The minister made these remarks during a press conference held at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday, highlighting what he described as persistent neglect despite the state's political representation at the center.
Political Representation Versus Budgetary Neglect
Minister Prabhakar pointed out a significant contradiction in Telangana's relationship with the central government. Despite the people of Telangana electing eight BJP candidates as Lok Sabha Members of Parliament, with two of them securing positions in the Union ministry, the state has allegedly received inadequate attention in budgetary matters since 2014. This disconnect between political success and developmental support forms the core of the minister's criticism.
The minister emphasized that this perceived injustice has not gone unnoticed by the state's leadership. He revealed that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with nearly all state ministers, has personally approached either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or various Union ministers to submit detailed representations. These appeals specifically request:
- Timely approval for critical infrastructure projects
- Sanction of necessary funds for development initiatives
- Enhanced central support for state programs
- A fair and equitable share of central fund allocations
Comprehensive Development Agenda for Telangana
Outlining the state's priorities, Minister Prabhakar detailed specific projects where Telangana is seeking central assistance. The state government has formally requested funding for several key infrastructure developments, including:
- The ambitious Regional Ring Road (RRR) project
- Development of radial roads to improve connectivity
- Musi River rejuvenation efforts
- Expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail network
- The proposed Hyderabad–Rajahmundry Port Greenfield Highway
- Approval for regional airports and new railway lines
Additionally, the minister called for special funds dedicated to Telangana's comprehensive development as part of the Telangana Rising Vision 2047 initiative, which aligns with the broader Viksit Bharat mission. He also advocated for the establishment of central schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas across the state to enhance educational infrastructure.
Criticism of Previous Government and Federal Principles
In his remarks, Minister Prabhakar drew a clear distinction between the previous BRS government's approach and the current Congress administration's philosophy. He criticized the BRS government for failing to maintain cordial relations with the central government, describing such relationships as essential in a federal political setup.
The current Congress government, according to Prabhakar, firmly believes in and practices cooperative federalism. He clarified that Telangana is not opposing fund allocations to other states but is instead highlighting what he perceives as discriminatory treatment. The minister alleged that the central government has not provided Telangana with funds commensurate with the substantial tax revenue the state contributes to the national exchequer.
Such discrimination should not exist in a federal system, Prabhakar asserted, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of all states regardless of political differences.
Appeal for Parliamentary Action and Future Expectations
With the upcoming Union Budget presentation, Minister Prabhakar expressed concern about the prevailing sentiment among Telangana's citizens. The people of Telangana are reportedly distressed and feel they are being systematically discriminated against in central allocations.
The minister issued a call to action for the state's elected representatives in Parliament. He urged that if Telangana faces neglect once again in the forthcoming budget, all Members of Parliament from the state should unite across party lines to raise their voices in Parliament. Prabhakar specifically cited the example of Tamil Nadu MPs, who have historically worked together beyond political affiliations to secure their state's interests.
This appeal for a united parliamentary fight underscores the growing frustration within Telangana's political leadership regarding what they perceive as long-standing budgetary injustice, setting the stage for potential confrontations in national legislative forums.
