HYDERABAD: Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar has sharply criticised BJP leader DK Aruna’s call to feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph on ration cards. He argued that if the Centre insists on displaying Modi’s image, it should fully fund the free rice scheme, which benefits 90 lakh families in Telangana.
Kiran Kumar questioned whether, during Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s image ever appeared on ration cards. He pointed out that Telangana continues to bear a significant financial burden for the scheme.
“The state government spends ₹352 crore per month to provide rice. For every rupee sent to the Centre, only 40 paise returns,” he said, highlighting the state’s contribution.
His remarks have intensified the political debate between the state and central governments over credit for welfare schemes. The issue remains central to discussions on Centre-state funding and political branding in public welfare programs.
