We Restored Energy Sector That Was Left in Disarray by the BRS Govt: Bhatti
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said that the Congress government has made significant strides in reviving the state’s economy and also the energy sector.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday to mark Congress government's one year in office, Bhatti, who also holds the finance and energy
portfolios, criticised the BRS government for leaving behind a massive debt due to its economic mismanagement. He said the BRS government had burdened the state with a Rs 7 lakh crore in debt, leading to severe financial instability, including delayed salary payments to government employees.
He contrasted this with the Congress government's achievements in paying salaries to 3.69 lakh regular employees and pensions to 2.88 lakh retired staff on the first of every month. "We have not only rectified this but also paid Rs 64,516 crore in debt and interest, incurred Rs 52,118 crore in fresh borrowing, and managed Rs 24,036 crore for capital expenditure," he said.
The administration also allocated significant funds for welfare initiatives, including Rs 7,625 crore for the Rythu Bharosa scheme, Rs 11,382 crore for Cheyutha, and ₹890 crore for Rajiv Aarogyasri, among others. Bhatti accused the BRS government of neglecting the electricity sector, citing delays and inefficiencies in major projects such as Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power plants. He noted the Congress government’s efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply and advance renewable energy initiatives.
"We’ve stabilised the power sector, ensuring 24-hour quality electricity for the people and free electricity for farmers. Through the Gruhajyoti scheme, 49.7 lakh families benefit monthly with zero bills for up to 200 units, saving citizens Rs 1,336 crore," he claimed.
The government has also made strides in renewable energy, with plans to produce 40,000 MW of green energy by 2035.
Women self-help groups are being included in establishment of solar plants, with loans secured to produce 1,000 MW of solar power. He cited advancements in key energy infrastructure projects, including completion of an 800 MW unit at the Yadadri thermal power plant with full project completion targeted for May 2025 and strengthening the transmission network to meet an anticipated peak demand of 22,488 MW by 2030.
Bhatti lambasted the previous government for decisions leading to financial and operational losses, including Rs 4,434 crore loss over the next 25 years due to the adoption of subcritical technology at the Bhadradri thermal power plant, Rs 261.31 crore in penalties and legal disputes arising from mismanagement of power purchase agreements with Chhattisgarh.
He alleged inefficiencies in project cost estimation had added financial burdens on citizens.
The Deputy Chief Minister pledged to continue reforms in the energy sector and job creation, aiming to make Telangana a leader in renewable energy production. Plans include introduction of rooftop solar systems for educational institutions and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability, Bhatti said.
