Hyderabad: Former Telangana minister and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao addressed the Oxford India Forum at Oxford University on Friday, presenting Telangana as a case study in innovative governance and rapid development.
Speaking on “Governing Innovation – A Telangana Case Study,” KTR called Telangana “the most successful startup state of independent India.” He said the state had evolved from decades of political struggle into one of India’s fastest-growing economies since its formation in 2014.
He cited Telangana’s economic rise, with its Gross State Domestic Product increasing from ₹4 lakh crore to ₹15 lakh crore, and per capita income rising from ₹1.12 lakh to ₹3.57 lakh. Telangana, he said, has become a leader in sectors ranging from agriculture and technology to pharma and infrastructure.
KTR showcased projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme and the state’s universal safe drinking water initiative, as well as its rise as India’s top state in inland fisheries. He said Telangana had become home to the world’s largest campuses of Amazon and other multinationals, along with the global innovation platform T-Hub.
He credited reforms like TS-iPASS for enabling swift industrial clearances and boosting ease of doing business. The state’s process-driven governance, he said, had made it a model of transparency and accountability.
Discussing agriculture, KTR cited the Rythu Bandhu scheme under which ₹9 billion was directly transferred to 70 lakh farmers. He noted the jump in paddy production from 68 lakh metric tons to 3 crore tons.
In a Q&A session, KTR said he left a career in the U.S. to join the Telangana statehood movement. Asked about replicating Telangana’s model, he pointed to the need for visionary leadership and a strong institutional base. On redistricting, he warned against penalising high-performing states and proposed a GDP-based formula.
He said economic growth would be his top priority if given the chance to serve as Chief Minister, along with continued investments and inclusive welfare. He welcomed the Women’s Reservation Bill and called for greater female participation in politics.
KTR invited global institutions to collaborate with Telangana, stating that the state’s progress was not just administrative but aspirational. He said, “India is the future, and Telangana will continue to tell its story.”
BRS Working President KTR showcases Telangana’s transformative journey at Oxford India Forum in UK
Former Minister and BRS Working President @KTRBRS delivered a powerful and inspiring talk at the prestigious Oxford India Forum held at Oxford University, highlighting Telangana’s… https://t.co/4WRvMWcyFB pic.twitter.com/iIlBeIZrXI
— BRS Party (@BRSparty) June 21, 2025
