Warangal : In a public rally held in Warangal on Tuesday, BRS President and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao outlined an ambitious vision for the city’s growth, positioning it as the next major hub after Hyderabad. Vowing to propel Warangal’s development, the Chief Minister emphasized the strategic focus on urban infrastructure, IT, and industrial expansion during the upcoming third term of the BRS government.

Honoring History and Transformative Initiatives

Acknowledging Warangal’s rich history, which spans over 1,000 years and played a pivotal role in the Telangana Statehood movement, Chandrashekhar Rao highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving this heritage. The BRS government integrated the iconic Kakatiya Thoranam into its official seal and named the tanks rejuvenation program as Mission Kakatiya as a tribute to Warangal’s contributions.

The Chief Minister emphasized the transformation witnessed by Warangal over the past decade under the BRS government, assuring the public that ongoing development projects would elevate the city into a prominent center for health, education, IT, industry, tourism, and culture.

Key Development Projects

Chandrashekhar Rao disclosed plans for a mega textile park near Geesukonda, aimed at rectifying past injustices, particularly the closure of Azam Jahi Mills. He projected the creation of one lakh jobs for local youth. Additionally, a major multi-super specialty hospital is underway to cater to the healthcare needs of East Telangana.

Strategic Urban Planning and Connectivity

The Chief Minister revealed that a master plan for Warangal city is in the works and will be unveiled post-elections. Committing to infrastructure enhancements, the BRS government plans to construct six bridges across railway tracks, connecting Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Kazipet. The development of the Outer Ring Road is also a priority to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Warangal as an IT and Industrial Hub

Highlighting efforts to position Warangal as a key destination for the IT industry, Chandrashekhar Rao expressed the government’s commitment to establishing a mega dairy plant in the region. Moreover, in a move to benefit the underprivileged, he pledged the issuance of land pattas for those residing on government lands in Warangal after the elections, demonstrating the government’s focus on inclusive growth.

In a shocking turn of events just hours before the conclusion of the election campaign, BRS Huzurabad candidate and MLC Padi Kaushik Reddy made a controversial statement that has sparked widespread concern. Reddy claimed that if he is not elected, he and his family members, including his wife and daughter, would resort to suicide.

Speaking during a campaign event in Kamalapur mandal headquarters on Tuesday, Reddy asserted that the fate of his family now rests in the hands of the public. He announced that if he emerges victorious, a victory rally would be organized. However, in the event of his defeat, he outlined a morbid plan for a death procession on December 4, involving himself, his wife, and daughter.

Reddy’s statement has ignited a debate about the appropriateness of such remarks in the context of an election, with many expressing concern over the emotional toll it might take on voters and the ethical implications of using one’s life as a political bargaining chip.

In a fiery election rally at Bhongir in Yadadri Bhongir district, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), alleging that it excels only in poll management. Gandhi urged the people of Telangana to demonstrate to the ruling party that they are not for sale.

Highlighting the economic disparities in the state, she accused the BRS of amassing wealth while the poor of Telangana languished in poverty. Priyanka Gandhi called on the electorate to reject the notion of being influenced by poll tactics during elections.

Asserting the need for the people to assert their rights, Priyanka Gandhi stated, “They do poll management during elections, but people should tell them that they are not for sale.”

She painted a picture of an alliance between BRS, BJP, and MIM, claiming they work in tandem. Drawing attention to the six guarantees of the Congress party, she urged voters to decide between another five years of BRS misrule or the governance of the people by the Congress.

Priyanka Gandhi warned the electorate that a return of the BRS to power would perpetuate the rule of land and liquor mafia, hinder job opportunities for the unemployed, sustain paper leaks, exacerbate corruption, deepen the state’s debts, and witness further encroachment on lands by the BRS.

Alleging that the BRS government did nothing for the people in the last decade, she highlighted the disillusionment among those who had high hopes at the time of Telangana state’s formation.

The Congress leader criticized the adverse impacts of demonetization, GST, and the Covid-19 pandemic on small businesses and middle-income families. She lamented the shattered dreams of youth due to paper leaks in recruitment exams.

Concluding her address, Priyanka Gandhi accused BRS leaders of governing from opulent palaces and farmhouses, emphasizing that government policies solely favor wealthy businesses.