Ponnam challenges BJP chief to bring central funds for Telangana

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday criticised BJP State president N. Ramchander Rao, accusing him of making baseless allegations to gain political mileage instead of addressing Telangana's concerns. In a statement, the Minister challenged Ramchander Rao to secure Central financial assistance to help the State tackle drought-like conditions caused by El Niño. Rather than criticising the State government, he said, the BJP leader should use his position to obtain funds for Telangana's welfare. Ponnam Prabhakar alleged that since Ramchander Rao is not a member of any elected House, he was making statements ahead of the Assembly session to remain politically relevant.

The Minister said the State government would introduce the CURE Bill in the Assembly, where all political parties, including the BJP, would have an opportunity to present their views through their elected representatives instead of creating controversy outside the House.

He also asked the BJP to clarify its stand on providing houses to poor families in the GHMC limits and urged the party to press the Union government for additional housing funds. The Minister asserted that Central funds allocated to Telangana were the State's constitutional entitlement from taxpayers' contributions, not an act of charity by the Centre.