Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao Targets Congress on Ration Cards and Dues

Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Saturday questioned the Congress-led state government's decision not to display Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph on smart ration cards, asserting that more than 90 per cent of the funding for free rice distribution is provided by the Central government.

Speaking at the BJP headquarters in Hyderabad during Independence Day celebrations, where he hoisted the National Flag, Rao stated that Telangana's broader development is being substantially supported by Central funds and major infrastructure projects.

Rao raised concerns over student welfare, alleging that nearly Rs 12,000 crore in fee reimbursement dues remains unpaid by the state government, leaving students to face significant hardship. He also criticised what he described as delays in implementing the National Education Policy across the state.

Addressing the state's financial condition, the BJP leader alleged that the previous BRS administration left Telangana burdened with over Rs 4.5 lakh crore in debt, and claimed that the Congress government has added another Rs 2 lakh crore in less than 30 months. He further stated that the Congress administration has failed to fulfil its six election guarantees as well as its promises regarding reservations for Backward Classes.

Rao also voiced opposition to key urban and industrial administrative policies. He criticised the Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation policy, alleging that valuable industrial lands were being transferred to benefit real estate interests. Furthermore, he opposed proposals to divide the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation into three separate civic bodies, cautioning that such a restructuring would likely raise the tax burden on residents.

Highlighting Central assistance and development initiatives in Telangana, Rao listed several major projects, including the modernisation of Secunderabad and other railway stations, the Kazipet Railway Manufacturing Unit, the Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University, the revival of Ramagundam Fertilisers, the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, the Zaheerabad National Investment and Manufacturing Zone, the Civil Aviation Research Organisation in Hyderabad, and the ongoing expansion of the MMTS network.