BRS Leader KT Rama Rao Condemns Union Budget's Alleged Bias Against Telangana
In a scathing critique of the recently announced Union budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has accused the Central government of deliberate discrimination against Telangana. Speaking to media representatives at Telangana Bhavan on Monday, the prominent political figure highlighted what he described as a systematic neglect of the state's legitimate financial requirements and developmental aspirations.
Hyderabad's Pharmaceutical Dominance Overlooked in Bio-Pharma Allocations
KTR expressed particular disappointment that the budget completely disregarded Hyderabad's established stature as a global hub for life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Despite announcing substantial allocations for the bio-pharma sector in other regions, the Centre failed to acknowledge or support the existing infrastructure and expertise concentrated in Hyderabad. This omission, according to Rao, represents a significant missed opportunity to strengthen India's pharmaceutical capabilities at a time when the sector requires strategic investment.
Welfare Reductions and Rising National Debt Draw Criticism
The BRS leader voiced serious concerns about several budgetary decisions that he believes will adversely affect ordinary citizens. He pointed to the steep increase in national debt as a worrying indicator of fiscal management. Furthermore, Rao criticized reductions in crucial rural employment schemes, fertilizer and food subsidies, and sanitation programs. These cuts, he argued, would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations who depend on these social safety nets for their basic needs and livelihood security.
Political Failures in Securing State Interests
KTR asserted that both the Congress government in Telangana and BJP leaders from the state had failed in their fundamental responsibility to secure adequate funds and support for Telangana's development. He specifically mentioned that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's numerous visits to Delhi and multiple meetings with Union ministers had yielded no tangible benefits for the state. Long-standing demands, including the establishment of a mega powerloom cluster, continue to be ignored, while infrastructure announcements like new rail corridors appear dictated more by geographical considerations than by any special consideration for Telangana's requirements.
Demand for Transparency on Investment Pledges
As Chief Minister Revanth Reddy concluded his World Economic Forum visit to Davos, KTR raised pointed questions about the actual implementation of investment pledges. He demanded transparency regarding how many projects announced during previous WEF summits in 2024 and 2025 had actually materialized on the ground. The BRS working president called for a white paper to be presented during the upcoming assembly budget sessions, stating that repeated claims without corresponding outcomes severely undermine public confidence in governance.
Allegations of Administrative Failures and Resource Mismanagement
KTR launched a broader critique of the Congress government's performance since assuming power, accusing it of delivering nothing substantial to the people. Instead, he claimed the administration has engaged in what he termed "diversion politics" through false propaganda and politically-motivated investigations. According to Rao, the government is grappling with three fundamental failures:
- Administrative collapse
- Deterioration of law and order
- Plunder of natural resources
Regarding administrative shortcomings, he cited the arrangements at the Medaram Jatara, describing the festival as Telangana's equivalent of the Kumbh Mela and noting that every previous government had treated it with utmost seriousness and proper planning.
Singareni Coal Mine Controversy and Institutional Evasion
The BRS leader made serious allegations concerning the Singareni Collieries Company Limited, claiming large-scale irregularities in coal mine tenders involving relatives of the chief minister. He demanded a comprehensive white paper on site inspections and call records to reveal the complete truth behind these transactions. KTR questioned why the government showed reluctance to hand the matter over to the Central Bureau of Investigation or a sitting judge, criticizing the formation of departmental committees as lacking credibility and transparency.
In his concluding remarks, KTR claimed that both the NDA government at the Centre and the Congress government in the state were shielding those responsible for various irregularities. He characterized the entire situation as a troubling example of institutional evasion, where accountability mechanisms are being systematically undermined to protect political interests rather than serving public welfare.
