Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka strongly criticized BRS MLA T. Harish Rao

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka strongly criticized BRS MLA T. Harish Rao, accusing him of misleading the Assembly with false claims about the state’s financial situation. Bhatti asserted that the Congress government is prepared to engage in an open discussion on state debts with the Speaker’s approval, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Harish Rao had accused the Congress of excessive borrowing, claiming that the government had taken loans amounting to Rs 1.27 lakh crore within a year and suggesting that the figure could rise to Rs 6.36 lakh crore over five years. Additionally, he alleged that the Congress had misrepresented the loans borrowed during the BRS regime, stating that the BRS government took loans worth Rs 4.17 lakh crore, whereas the Congress reported the figure as over Rs 7 lakh crore.

In response, Bhatti Vikramarka refuted Harish Rao’s allegations and reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline within the limits of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. He clarified that white papers had been issued to present the state’s financial realities to the public and challenged Harish Rao to explain why promises made during the BRS regime—such as distributing three acres of land to Dalits and providing double-bedroom houses—remained unfulfilled.

Bhatti further criticized the BRS for boycotting the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting in the Vidhan Sabha, alleging that the BRS MLAs displayed a lack of respect for the Speaker and the Assembly’s proceedings. He pointed out that despite the Congress government’s efforts to maintain decorum by avoiding placards and repeated appeals for order, the opposition members remained disruptive.

Addressing further financial concerns, Bhatti highlighted that pending bills, including discom payments from the last 10 years under the BRS regime, were approved. However, he criticized the previous government for failing to increase diet charges and managing finances irresponsibly. He accused the BRS of borrowing without limits, creating a significant burden on the state exchequer.

In contrast, Bhatti assured that the Congress government would adhere to fiscal responsibility, borrowing only within permissible limits to avoid long-term financial instability. He urged Harish Rao and the BRS leaders to stop misleading the public and instead focus on their own track record of unfulfilled promises.

Bhatti Vikramarka concluded by reaffirming the Congress government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance, ensuring the people of Telangana are fully aware of the state’s financial health.