KTR stressed that voters should consider state's tangible accomplishments rather than getting swayed by political mudslinging.
Published Nov 23, 2023 | 4:14 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 23, 2023 | 4:14 PM
KTR stressed that the voters consider the tangible accomplishments which the state has achieved rather than succumbing to the expected electoral mudslinging. (Sumit Jha/South First)
With the election to the Legislative Assembly just a week away, BRS working president and Minister KT Rama Rao unveiled “Trailblazer Telangana”, a presentation highlighting the state’s achievements under Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao ever since it was formed in 2014.
His point was the voters should consider the tangible accomplishments of the state rather than be swayed by election-time political mudslinging.
However, he acknowledged the monotony of such presentations,
“This is a boring presentation during an election where tit-for-tat is expected. But these are the new state’s achievements, which have to be showcased and which have to be talked about because it can’t always be about tit-for-tat remarks. People also have to look at our progress report; what work we have done, and on what basis should they vote for me. Hence this presentation,” KTR said in Hyderabad.
Presenting the progress made under the leadership of KCR over the past nine-and-a-half-years, KTR said the state has witnessed significant development, with the government transforming tandas (tribal hamlets) into gram panchayats, panchayats into mandals, and mandals into districts.
“Telangana has become a leader in every aspect. The state’s GSDP has increased, per capita income has risen from ₹1.24 lakh to ₹3.17 lakh, and multidimensional poverty has decreased from 13.18 percent to 5.8 percent,” he said.
He further highlighted that crop yield has surged from 68 lakh tonnes to 3.5 crore tonnes, and cultivation has expanded from 131 lakh acres to 268 lakh acres in the state.
“We are ensuring clean water for households through Mission Bhagiratha. For drinking water, we have invested ₹37,000 crore in Mission Bhagiratha, benefiting 58 lakh families. Other states are also adopting Mission Bhagiratha. In the spirit of this mission, the Union government initiated the Har Ghar Jal scheme,” KTR stated.
Pointing to a shift in perception about the state, he said: “There was a saying that what West Bengal does today, the country follows. Now, it has changed to what Telangana does, India follows.”
“Through Mission Kakatiya, we have restored 46,000 lakes, contributing to irrigation and water revitalisation,” KTR continued.
The Telangana government has upheld principles of fairness in water distribution, funding allocation, and appointments, he said.
“We have invested ₹1.70 lakh crore in various projects. Notably, we’ve implemented the world’s largest lift irrigation scheme, the Kaleshwaram Project, and successfully executed the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift scheme. Our commitment extends to enhancing government schools through the Mana Uru-Manabadi program,” KTR stated.
Highlighting the government’s work as regards farmers, he mentioned, “Telangana has earned the reputation of treating farmers as kings. Farmer suicides have decreased, as acknowledged by the Union government.
“We are the only state ensuring 24-hour electricity supply for cultivation, combating a conspiracy by the Centre to hinder Telangana’s financial well-being.”
KTR also said that today’s power consumption of 18,567MW will increase to 22,000 MW in the state in a few years. The state is providing 24×7 electricity to all, but “if the Congress comes to power, there will be power cuts in the state”, he warned.
“Nalgonda has been liberated from fluorosis, and we’ve secured the second position in solar power generation. Infrastructure has been bolstered in gram panchayats, earning accolades in rural development. Our commitment to grassroots progress is evident through initiatives like establishing village swaraj,” he continued.
Drawing attention to the Kaleshwaram project’s completion in four years, he detailed that it encompassed three barrages, 20 reservoirs, and 20 lifts. He urged other parties not to politicisie and defame projects while acknowledging common issues in barrages such as leakage.
“There has been leakage in Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam pumps, even in Farakka Barrage, but they can be rectified easily,” KTR claimed.
“We’ve implemented the Haritaharam programme, witnessing a 7.7 percent increase in green cover — a testament to our commitment to environmental conservation. Telangana was the first state to establish a green fund,” he declared.
