Hyderabad : In a scathing critique, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao of transforming the once “revenue-surplus Telangana into a revenue-deficit state” over the past decade. Speaking during the BJP’s election campaign in Malkajgiri constituency, Hyderabad, Sitharaman alleged that the state has fallen into a debt-trap, burdening future generations with the responsibility of repaying substantial debts.
During a Meet and Greet program with retired defense employees and their families, Sitharaman expressed shock at the state government’s imposition of 125 percent taxes on the canteen stores department for defense service personnel. She lamented that funds meant for public welfare were diverted for other purposes, leading to a decline in development.
Sitharaman further revealed that Telangana is among the states opposing the proposal to include petrol, diesel, and liquor under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). She criticized KCR for not leveraging the state’s initial financial strength for progress and accused him of using resources for personal and party gains.
Addressing a news conference, Sitharaman highlighted concerns about the Kaleshwaram project, calling attention to the reported collapse of its pillars. She emphasized KCR’s unfulfilled promise of making a Dalit leader Telangana’s first chief minister, pointing out the dismissal of Deputy Chief Minister T. Rajaiah within six months of appointment.
The union minister criticized the state government for announcing a Rs 3,300 crore allocation for the development of backward classes but allegedly spending only Rs 77 crore. Sitharaman raised alarm over the significant number of vacant positions in Telangana’s universities and claimed there are approximately one lakh vacancies in state government departments. Additionally, she pointed out the failure to deliver on the promise of unemployment allowances, with Telangana’s literacy rate lagging behind the national average at 66 percent.
As the election campaign intensifies, Sitharaman’s strong statements shed light on the economic challenges and unmet promises under KCR’s leadership, prompting concerns about the state’s financial health and governance.
