BJP leader questioned defections to TRS

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao justified defections from other parties to the TRS in the Assembly on Wednesday, saying that the party invited leaders from other parties in order to achieve “political stability” and save Telangana State from collapse.

“At that juncture, we made an appeal to MLAs of all parties to join hands with the TRS to achieve political stability and save the newly-formed Telangana State,” Mr Rao said.

The CM was replying to charges levelled by the BJP floor leader in the Assembly G. Kishan Reddy, on Wednesday, who asked, “Is this the Bangaru Telangana we are aiming for where defections are being encouraged?”

Mr Reddy said right from sarpanch level to MP level, the TRS has been forcing leaders of other parties to either join the TRS or face harassment and discrimination in sanctioning of funds.

The CM rubbished these allegations. The government has been implementing all welfare schemes and development programmes in all Assembly constituencies, irrespective of which party holds the seat, he said.

“Residential schools and roads have been sanctioned in all the constituencies. Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya cover the entire state irrespective of parties. Sheep distribution, farmers’ sop or any other sop is meant to cover the entire state because we feel every village, town or person belongs to Telangana and it’s our responsibility to develop the entire state,” Mr Rao said.