The session is marked by tensions between Congress and BRS, with BJP targeting CM Revanth Reddy. KCR's early arrival and closed-door meeting with BRS leaders attracted more attention than the Governor’s address
Published Mar 12, 2025 | 4:08 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 12, 2025 | 4:08 PM
KCR’s arrival stirs curiosity in assembly as governor outlines vision for Telangana’s growth
Synopsis: The Telangana Legislature’s budget session began on 12 March with Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address. The session is marked by intense exchanges between Congress and the opposition BRS, with KCR’s presence adding curiosity. The Governor highlighted key projects like the Musi River Rejuvenation, metro expansion, and the Future City development, focusing on innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive governance for Telangana’s future.
The highly anticipated budget session of the Telangana Legislature—Assembly and Council—commenced on Wednesday, 12 March, with Governor Jishnu Dev Varma addressing both houses for the first time since assuming office.
This budget session has attracted significant attention amid a heated exchange between the ruling Congress and opposition BRS on key state issues. Opposition Leader K Chandrasekhar Rao’s decision to attend has sparked curiosity about how he will challenge the state government. His early arrival, nearly 50 minutes before the session, drew more attention than the Governor’s address. KCR was warmly received by BRS leaders and later led them to a closed-door meeting in the party office.
In his address, the Governor outlined the government’s vision for Telangana’s future, emphasising the state’s transition into a transformative era. Key initiatives included the Musi River Rejuvenation Project, metro rail expansion, and the ambitious Future City development, spanning 765 sq. km.
This project integrates smart urban infrastructure, sustainable industrial growth, and inclusive residential planning, with AI City, Pharma, and Manufacturing Clusters at its core, aiming to boost economic activity and enhance the quality of life.
The Governor asserted that Telangana’s commitment to innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive governance would ensure its emergence as a model of modernity and opportunity. He reiterated the government’s dedication to democracy, federalism, and social justice, expressing hope that every citizen’s aspirations would be realised.
Expressing confidence in the state’s industrial and service sector growth, he highlighted Telangana’s business-friendly environment and progressive policies, which have attracted global investments of ₹1,78,950 crore at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He noted that key sectors such as data centres, green energy, food processing, electric vehicles, and defence manufacturing are driving economic expansion. The government is also extending support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through financial assistance, technology upgrades, and market linkages.
Dedicated industrial parks for pharmaceuticals, electronics, IT, and renewable energy are fostering sectoral development, with Hyderabad maintaining its lead as India’s AI and Data Centre Capital.
The Governor also emphasised Telangana’s commitment to inclusive development, innovation, and sustainability, particularly in empowering farmers, women, youth, and marginalised communities. He described Telangana as not just a state but a symbol of resilience, struggle, and cultural richness.
Honouring its heritage, the government has recognised literary and cultural icons such as Gaddar, Guda Anjaiah, and Bandi Yadagiri. The adoption of “Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam” as the state song and the Telangana Thalli statue as a cultural emblem, reflects the state’s pride in its history and aspirations for a progressive future.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to social justice, the Governor referenced the comprehensive Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey, which informs policies to uplift marginalised communities. The government has proposed a bill to provide 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) and is working on sub-categorising Scheduled Castes (SCs) to ensure equitable benefit distribution.
Turning to agriculture, he underscored Telangana’s status as India’s largest paddy producer, with an annual yield exceeding 260 lakh metric tonnes. To support farmers, the government has implemented a ₹2 lakh crop loan waiver benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers and enhanced the Rythu Bharosa scheme, providing ₹12,000 per acre annually. Landless agricultural labourers are also supported through the Indiramma Aathmeeya Bharosa scheme, which grants ₹12,000 per annum.
“The farmers of Telangana are the backbone of the state. Their hard work sustains our economy and traditions. It is the government’s moral duty to support and empower them,” the Governor stated.
Stressing the importance of women’s empowerment, he noted the launch of the Mahalakshmi Scheme, which has facilitated 149.63 crore free bus trips for women, saving them ₹5,005.95 crore in travel expenses. The Indira Mahila Shakti Mission Policy aims to create one crore women entrepreneurs with ₹1 lakh crore in financial assistance. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are spearheading initiatives such as Mahila Shakti canteens, school uniform production, and skill training programs.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable energy, the Governor announced the Clean and Green Energy Policy-2025, focusing on investments in solar, wind, and energy storage. Plans include the establishment of 6,000 EV charging stations by 2029-30 to enhance energy security, attract investments, and generate employment, positioning Telangana as a national leader in clean energy.
Acknowledging Telangana’s cultural heritage and tourism potential, he emphasised the state’s efforts to promote eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and adventure tourism. Revitalising historic monuments, improving tourist amenities, and focusing on temple and tribal tourism aim to establish Telangana as a top travel destination.
Following the Governor’s address, the Assembly was adjourned to Thursday, 13 March. Reacting to the session, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao lashed out at the state government, accusing it of misleading the public regarding welfare schemes. He claimed that the farm loan waiver scheme covered only 20 to 30 percent of farmers, contrary to the Governor’s claim that all farmers were included.
Speaking to the media, KTR also alleged that due to the inefficiency of the chief minister, large stretches of land were not receiving adequate water. He accused the government of prioritising financial gains through commissions on contractor payments rather than focusing on governance.
Furthermore, he expressed disappointment that the Governor failed to mention farmer suicides and the government’s inability to provide water to parched lands in the state. “It appears that the only agenda of this government is to send money bags to Delhi,” KTR remarked.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
