Mahesh Kumar Goud | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud has challenged Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar to an open debate on the significant contributions made to Telangana’s development during the 11 years of BJP’s rule at the Centre.
He also criticised Telangana BJP leaders for not ‘advocating’ to include 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in the IX Schedule of Constitution, despite the State Assembly passing a Bill. He demanded that they release a White Paper on the same issue.
Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, Mr. Goud alleged that the Modi government had done nothing significant for Telangana. “Kishan Reddy is pleading for one chance for power in Telangana, but he must explain what the BJP government at the Centre has done for the State’s development,” he said. The people of Telangana, who believe in secular ideology, will never support the BJP in the State, he said.
Mr. Mahesh pointed out the BJP’s hypocrisy in criticising the Congress government’s land auction plans while ignoring large-scale land sales during the BRS regime. He demanded that the BJP-ruled States implement the fine rice distribution scheme, similar to Telangana’s initiative. The TPCC president also questioned why the Centre is not providing funds for projects like Hyderabad Metro and Musi River, while allocating funds for other States which are going for elections.
“Despite lacking numerical strength, the BJP party fielded a candidate in the local body MLC elections, seeking support from others,” he said, adding that they had not fielded a candidate due to a lack of numerical strength. He also added that they had not taken any decision on the matter of support so far.
To a query, he denied comments on the controversy over the UoH lands, stating that the matter is within the jurisdiction of the court.
Published – April 07, 2025 10:12 PM is
