KTR-Cong Showdown in Assembly Session

A prolonged and intense debate marked the second day of the Telangana Assembly budget session, with BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) locking horns with Congress ministers during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address. The exchange, which lasted over two hours, saw sharp criticism from KTR and equally strong counterattacks from ministers including Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

KTR launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, questioning the credibility of the Governor’s Address and alleging that the ruling party had failed to deliver on its six guarantees. He demanded clarity on the legal status of these promises, recalling that both the Chief Minister and Congress leadership had earlier assured legal backing. He went on to question the “missing file” related to these guarantees and even called for a special investigation into the matter.

Targeting governance, KTR accused the government of losing public trust, stating that its declarations and commitments held “zero value” in the eyes of people. He criticized the administration for what he described as policy failures, rising debts, declining revenues, and a slowdown in economic growth. He contrasted the current situation with the previous BRS regime, claiming Telangana had once been among the top states in revenue generation and per capita income but had now slipped in rankings.

KTR also alleged misuse of public funds for political advertisements in other states, failure in implementing welfare schemes, and misleading claims about investments and development projects. He raised concerns over declining registration revenues, negative economic sentiment, and what he termed as “propaganda-driven governance.” He further criticized decisions related to Pharma City and the proposed Future City, accusing the government of policy inconsistency and misleading investors.

Responding strongly, Minister Sridhar Babu dismissed KTR’s remarks as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the Congress government was committed to transparency and development. He defended visits to Delhi as necessary efforts to secure funds and support for the state.

Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy countered by highlighting welfare measures such as distribution of ration cards, free bus travel for women, construction of Indiramma houses, and expansion of residential schools. He said the government was working to stabilize the state despite inheriting a heavy debt burden.

Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized financial assistance to farmers and women, including bonus payments for paddy and interest-free loans to self help groups. He stated that the government had already mobilized significant funds for welfare and accused BRS of neglecting similar promises during its tenure.

Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy criticized BRS for promoting defections in the past and defended the Speaker’s authority, calling KTR’s remarks inappropriate.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was present in the Assembly for some part of the day but did not participate in the debate as he later left for New Delhi.

KTR dares resignation challenge to Bhatti

KTR threw an open resignation challenge to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka over claims related to women’s self help group loans.

Intervening in the debate during KTR's speech, Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the Congress government had facilitated around Rs 57,000 crore in loans to women’s groups. Strongly disputing the claim, KTR demanded documentary proof and declared that he would resign as MLA if the government substantiated the figures. He also challenged Bhatti to step down from both Deputy CM and MLA posts if the claim proved false.