Harish Rao Expresses Concerns Over Diminishing Federal Spirit at Niti Aayog Meeting
Hyderabad: Finance minister T. Harish Rao said that Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao was not the only one absent at the Niti Aayog meeting, as 10 other Chief Ministers also did not attend the meeting. He expressed concerns about the diminishing federal spirit due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach, stating, “Despite proclaiming ‘Team India’, his actions seem to divide India.
After reviewing the arrangements for the Tenth Formation Day celebrations of Telangana state, Harish Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the Niti Aayog, alleging that the Central government’s disregard for the organization’s decisions has damaged its reputation. He questioned the significance of attending the meeting and highlighted that they would have participated if the organisation had provided the recommended funds for Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya.
Harish Rao highlighted the significance of the state formation day and underscored the “remarkable progress” achieved in the nine years since its inception. “The establishment of Telangana state marked the initial milestone, but the development witnessed over the past nine years represents a significant stride,” he emphasized
He stressed the importance of acknowledging and commemorating individuals who fought for the state’s formation while expressing gratitude for the advancements made during this period.
Responding to concerns raised by Union minister G. Kishan Reddy regarding Telangana state’s debts, Harish Rao urged him to consider the debts of the Central government. He said that the state’s debts are well within limits, whereas the Central government has exceeded the GDP-debt ratio.
During the press conference, the minister addressed the hierarchy of the government, stating, “The President should have inaugurated the new Parliament building.” On roles of the Governor and the President he aid that the President is elected by the entire country through the Electoral College.
Harish Rao further expressed discontent with the name of the Parliament building, stating, “Why is B.R. Ambedkar’s name not given to Parliament? We demand that Parliament be named after Ambedkar, just as we have named the Secretariat after him.”
Earlier, Harish Rao also participated in the BRS Athmeeya Sammelanam at Lingampet in Yellareddy Assembly constituency of Kamareddy district on Sunday.
Zaheerabad MP B.B. Patil, Yellareddy MLA Jajala Surender, and others were present. Speaking at the meeting, Harish Rao said that after the formation of Telangana state, acute water shortage problems were sorted out.
“The BJP-ruled Maharashtra is still facing acute drinking water shortage,” he said. The BJP claims a double engine government in Maharashtra, but it is unable to supply drinking water daily in Pune city, he said. Only '12,000 financial aid was given to women in Gujarat as marriage sop by the government, whereas the Telangana state government sanctioned '1,00,116 under Kalyana Laxmi and Shaadi Mubarak, he explained.
Farmers are using oil engines in Maharashtra and Gujarat for agriculture needs, but in Telangana state no oil engine is used for agriculture, he said. “The BRS will come to power the next time too,” he asserted.
