Governor forced to lie by TRS govt: Congress stages walkout during budget address

Telangana's budget session commenced on Friday with Governor ESL Narasimhan addressing a joint session of the state's legislature.

The Governor stressed that the state’s financial condition was strong, and emphasised that Telangana had been ranked number one in the country in ease of doing business rankings by the World Bank along with the Centre's Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP). The Governor also asserted that his government would keep its promise of making Telangana a surplus power state.

"Telangana, the youngest state of India, and the most happening state, has embarked upon many innovative steps, to give a much-needed boost to the state economy. The infant state has come to be recognised for launching many an initiative in a very short span of time," the Governor said.

"The result of many initiatives taken by my government in the last 33 months in various sectors is there for all of you to see. Uninterrupted power supply, revamping of minor irrigation tanks through Mission Kakatiya, drinking water supplied to households through Mission Bhaghiratha are a few among the many," he added.

The Governor also spoke about the state's move to carve out 21 new districts and revenue mandals, so that "administration and governance could be taken to every door step," and "reach the last person".

Even as the Governor was addressing the session, the Congress party raised slogans and staged a walkout claiming that the TRS government had not met several promises, including its flagship program of two-bedroom houses for everyone.

Senior Congress leaders accused the TRS government of making the Governor 'lie' on several important issues.

Addressing media persons, the TDP and the BJP also registered their protest.

State Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao condemned the protests, and stated that the government was ready to debate any issue on the floor of the Assembly.