Hyderabad: 16-DEC-2024 (Patriotic Views)BRS MLA Harish Rao launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, accusing it of neglecting rural development by failing to allocate any funds for Gram Panchayats. He highlighted the contrast between the current Congress regime and the previous BRS government, which, he claimed, invested substantial resources in the development of Telangana’s villages.

Harish Rao pointed out that during the BRS administration, rural development was prioritized alongside urban growth. However, since the Congress came to power, no financial assistance has been provided to Gram Panchayats this year, putting rural infrastructure and services in jeopardy.

He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, noting that even the United States has issued a warning to its citizens about the risk of contracting diseases like chikungunya while visiting rural Telangana. He blamed the Congress government’s negligence for the current state of affairs.

Harish Rao further criticized the Congress for its selective payments to contractors, stating, “Small contractors are still owed Rs. 691 crore in dues, while large contractors continue to be paid without delay.”

Highlighting the achievements of the previous BRS government, Harish Rao mentioned that 19 Gram Panchayats from Telangana were ranked among the top 20 in the Best Gram Panchayat Awards announced by the central government. He described this as a testament to the BRS’s success in fostering rural development.

Under the leadership of the BRS, Harish Rao claimed that every Gram Panchayat was equipped with essential infrastructure, including tractors, tankers, trolleys, nurseries, and dump yards. However, he accused the Congress government of failing to release State Finance Commission (SFC) funds and diverting central funds for unnecessary purposes.

In conclusion, Harish Rao slammed the Congress government for its inaction and urged it to prioritize the needs of Telangana’s rural communities before further damage is done.