The Congress government in Telangana, under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, marked the completion of its two-year term on Sunday. The administration has navigated significant challenges while implementing key initiatives, including the landmark categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and a comprehensive caste survey, amidst ongoing criticism from opposition parties regarding unfulfilled promises.
Navigating Challenges and Delivering on Key Promises
Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated that the government's two-year journey was fraught with administrative, financial, and judicial hurdles. He emphasized that despite predictions of a short-lived tenure, the administration provided stable governance and made its mark on both development and welfare fronts. The government successfully overcame what he termed an "opposition onslaught."
A senior party leader noted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy managed to secure the confidence of the party high command and the people of Telangana by uniting key party figures such as N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and Bhatti Vikramarka.
The government inherited a substantial financial burden. CM Revanth Reddy has repeatedly informed the public that the previous BRS government left a debt of ₹8 lakh crore on the state exchequer. The current administration allocates one-third of its total revenue for debt servicing, another third for salaries and pensions, and the remaining portion for development works and welfare schemes.
A Mixed Bag of Achievements and Pending Guarantees
The Congress government's list of accomplishments in two years includes filling over 61,000 government jobs and rolling out several of its pre-poll guarantees. These implemented schemes comprise 200 units of free electricity, LPG cylinders at ₹500, free RTC bus travel for women, enhanced Aarogyasri coverage up to ₹10 lakh, distribution of fine rice, and the initiation of Indiramma houses. The administration also takes credit for completing the SC categorisation—a first in the country following Supreme Court directions—and conducting a caste survey.
However, the government faces criticism for promises yet to be realized. Key guarantees still pending include a monthly pension for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme and the provision of one tola of gold as part of the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak initiatives.
One of its more contentious moves was the establishment of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority (HYDRAA), aimed at removing unauthorized structures on lake beds, which drew sharp criticism from various quarters.
Political Consolidation and Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, the Congress party points to its electoral performance as a sign of consolidating support. Following its victory in the 2023 assembly polls, the party won the 2024 Secunderabad Cantonment by-poll, performed well in the Lok Sabha elections, and recently secured the Jubilee Hills by-election.
TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud asserted that the government and party are gaining strength under Revanth Reddy's leadership. "BRS has lost its steam, and BJP lost its deposit in Jubilee Hills bypoll in the heart of the city. The people of the state are firmly standing with the Congress govt," he claimed. The coming year will be crucial for the government as it attempts to balance fiscal constraints with the pressure to deliver on all its flagship guarantees.
