BRS seeks privilege motion against Telangana govt for inflating debt figures

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the opposition party in Telangana, requested Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad to facilitate a Privilege Motion against Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka for presenting the state’s debt as Rs 7 lakh crore. According to BRS functionaries, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data stands at Rs 3.89 lakh crore. 

“The finance minister’s statements misled the Assembly and people of Telangana,” said BRS leader KT Rama Rao, highlighting the RBI Handbook of Statistics on Indian States. The party demanded that either the state government present the actual figures or that the Speaker sanction permission for a debate over the Privilege Motion. In this context, KTR argued in favour of the Privilege Motion, highlighting a similar instance under Speaker Manohar against the CM Kiran Kumar Reddy, pressing the need to keep up the legislative traditions.

According to a white paper released by the Congress government after assuming power in 2023, Telangana's outstanding debt, which includes the total principal and interest yet to be repaid, rose significantly from Rs 72, 658 crore in FY 2014-15 (the year of state formation) to Rs 3,52,061 crore by FY 2022-23. This represents an average annual growth rate of 24.5%. As per the budget estimates for FY 2023-24, the debt is projected to rise further to Rs. 3,89,673 crore.

On Monday, the finance minister said the total debt amounts to Rs 7,11,911 crore. “This includes the amount the government has to pay back to banks, corporations, corporators and employees,” he added. 

There was also backlash for the discussions on tourism over pressing issues of Lagacharla farmer arrests. The opposition demanded a debate over the issue. KTR also took a dig at the state government using the terms “Delhi Tourism” and “Jail Tourism”, accusing the government of frequent trips to Delhi and unjust imprisonments of Lagacharla farmers, social media activists and opposition leaders. 

KTR also highlighted the struggles of Sarpanch across the state. He raised concerns over unpaid dues of 600 crore, throwing light on the selective fund allocation, in favour of large contractors. The BRS working president urged the speaker to intervene and facilitate the discussions over these financial hardships. 

There was also outrage over former MLAs not being allowed to enter the Assembly premises. KTR said BRS allowed free movement of ex-legislators in the assembly. He further accused the government of silencing the opposition and said, “Symbols of protest like nooses and dried crops, lanterns were once permitted in the Assembly. Now, even placards are being restricted.”

Congress Minister Bhatti Vikramarka was criticised for announcing a 12,000 rupee financial aid for the agricultural labourers outside the assembly which is said to have violated the legislative norms and said, “Such announcements should be made within the Assembly, where questions can be raised,” he added. The opposition raised concerns that any announcements should be made during Assembly sessions. However, they said this particular announcement was not made at the start of the session, which they claim is a violation of norms. They argued that if the announcement had been made within the Assembly, it could have been open to debate. Therefore, they alleged that Bhatti deliberately made the announcement outside the Assembly to avoid scrutiny and questioning.

KTR also questioned the credibility of the government’s welfare schemes and promises and said, “The public no longer trusts Sankranti schemes or votes in the name of deities. The government has failed to deliver on its commitments.”