"Telangana Finance Minister Harish Rao dismisses BJP's ambition of power in State

KHAMMAM: Telangana's Minister for Finance and Planning Harish Rao In his address at an “aatmeeya sammelanam’ in Sattupalli constituency, dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambitions of coming to power in the state, saying that not even half the strength of attendees at Kalluru gathering were present at Sunday’s BJP rally held in Chevella, and that many attendees were fetched from other districts.

"The BJP's claims that they will come to power are an illusion," said Harish Rao. "Will its candidates save their deposits come in the coming elections in Khammam district?"he asked.

The minister went on to highlight the BRS government's achievements in the agriculture sector, noting that the state had witnessed a significant increase in the cultivation of Yasangi crop, from 14 lakh acres in 2014 to 56 lakh acres in 2023. He also mentioned that the government had bought the produce worth Rs 26,600 crores last year, up from Rs 3,600 crores in 2014.

"Because KCR increased the value of the farmer, the value of the land went up," he said. "Farmers should not feel discouraged by untimely rains. We have a farmer's government. Farmer leader KCR as the Chief Minister."

The minister also discussed the BRS government's efforts to provide relief to farmers affected by crop loss due to untimely rains. He said that an announcement was made to provide Rs 10,000 per acre in case of crop loss, and that instructions had already been issued to the Chief Secretary to assess the crop damage.

The minister criticized Union Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of trying to create a communal divide among people.

"What did he say yesterday? Did he talk about the Rs. 1,350 crores that should have come to Telangana as a matter of right? Did he mention ITIR, Bayyaram steel industry, or national project status to Kaleshwaram?" asked Harish Rao.

The minister concluded his speech by highlighting the TRS government's efforts to improve healthcare in the state. He said that the government had established several medical colleges in the region and that the Sitarama project would provide water for every crop in Khammam district in the coming months.

"No matter how many tricks anyone would try, we are the ones who will hit the hat trick," he said. "We have a people's government that is implementing many schemes without a guarantee. KCR fought for the people, and we will continue to do so."