HYDERABAD: Telangana Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka launched a scathing attack on the previous BRS government, accusing it of budget mismanagement and fiscal indiscipline.
Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that during its 10-year tenure, the BRS administration presented a budget worth ₹16.70 lakh crore but failed to utilise funds effectively, plunging the state into financial chaos.
Bhatti pointed out that the BRS government consistently failed to spend large portions of its budget. He listed shortfalls across multiple fiscal years, highlighting that in 2015-16 alone, 15% of the allocated funds went unspent. This trend continued in subsequent years with 6% in 2016-17, 19% in 2017-18, 22% in 2018-19, and 20% in both 2022-23 and 2023-24 remaining unused.
He emphasised that the CAG also criticised the BRS government for its erratic fiscal behaviour. “Instead of mindlessly increasing the budget, we’ve cut down wasteful expenditure. We have presented what is achievable and promised to deliver within this year itself,” Bhatti Vikramarka said, asserting that the Congress-led government would ensure 100% budget utilisation.
In a direct response to BRS leader Harish Rao’s comments on “fiscal or intellectual slowdown,” Bhatti said the previous government had created economic disorder, not development. He questioned how a government that left behind ₹8.19 lakh crore in debt could comment on governance standards. “BRS spent ₹16.70 lakh crore over a decade but failed to create tangible assets. Their only claim to fame is Kaleshwaram, and we all know its current condition,” he remarked.
Congress Govt limited the budget to ₹3.04 lakh crore to show real numbers
He further said that BRS increased the budget arbitrarily by 10-15% annually. “If we followed your model, the budget would’ve crossed ₹4.18 lakh crore. Instead, we limited it to ₹3.04 lakh crore and showed real numbers,” Bhatti added.
As per data shared in the Assembly, the current government has spent ₹2,99,414 crore out of an income of ₹2,80,603 crore since December 7, 2023. Major expenditures include ₹77,000 crore for employee salaries, ₹88,000 crore in interest payments, and ₹1.34 lakh crore for welfare schemes.
Bhatti Vikramarka also emphasised transparency and accountability in governance, announcing allocations of ₹6,000 crore under Rajiv Yuva Vikasam for self-employment schemes for SC, ST, BC, and minority youth, and ₹600 crore for EWS youth. Additionally, ₹50 crore has been allocated for the Brahmin Parishad and another ₹50 crore for self-employment schemes for the Brahmin community. The Vaishya Corporation, created under the Congress government, received ₹25 crore—marking the first time such funding has been allocated.
Criticising the previous government’s performance, Bhatti Vikramarka said they failed to even construct one lakh houses over a decade. “You speak about housing, yet failed to build even one lakh homes,” he said. On education, he highlighted that 58 integrated schools are being constructed, and 240 will be developed to the level of residential schools.
He added that under the current government, 11,000 DSC posts have been filled within 50 days, promotions were given to 22,000 teachers, and transfers approved for 36,000 more. Hostels have seen increased diet charges, and costume charges have been raised by 200%.
The finance minister also condemned the previous administration for arresting Congress leaders during peaceful protests and raising slogans like “Govinda” while speaking on serious issues like the budget. Bhatti said the Congress government has already waived ₹20,617 crore in farm loans within four months, showcasing its commitment to the people.
Touching on tribal welfare, he announced the launch of a ₹12,500 crore Girivikasam scheme aimed at improving tribal lives. He accused the previous government of neglecting SC/ST welfare, citing unspent funds under Dalit Bandhu and other sub-plans. In contrast, Bhatti said, the current government is committed to implementing these plans sincerely.
“We are not here to mislead the people. We are here to bring real development, ensure welfare, and maintain financial discipline,” Bhatti Vikramarka concluded.
