BJP State unit President slams Cong over delay in panchayat polls

BJP Telangana State unit President N Ranchander Rao has sharply criticised the Congress government in the state for failing to conduct Panchayat elections even 21 months after the expiry of the Sarpanches’ term. Addressing the media, on Tuesday, Rao said that this delay has deprived local bodies of crucial funds from the 15th Finance Commission, amounting to nearly Rs. 4,000 crore.

Accusing the Constitutional mandate ignored, Rao reminded that under the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, local bodies must have Governing Councils and hold regular meetings. Only then can Finance Commission allocations be released from the Centre. “Without elections and governing bodies, Panchayats are being denied their rightful share of funds,” he said, stressing that the Congress government’s inaction has stalled grassroots development.

Highlighting the Congress’s broken promises on BC reservations, the BJP leader accused the Congress of betraying Backward Classes (BCs) by failing to implement its electoral promise of 42 per cent reservation in local body elections.

He pointed out that in Kamareddy, the Congress used the BC Declaration to secure votes but did not take the necessary legal steps to ensure reservation. “This is a clear failure of the Congress government. Announcing promises without legal backing is unfair,” Rao asserted.

Although the Congress Cabinet now appears to be preparing for local body elections, Rao criticised the party for limiting BC representation to internal party-level decisions rather than enshrining it in law. He demanded that the government immediately conduct Sarpanch elections and ensure fair representation.

He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to BCs. Rao emphasised that the BJP is committed to giving “a big seat” to BCs in the upcoming local body polls. He said the party will examine all details regarding its candidates and provide party-wise reservations to ensure BC participation. “We will stand by our promise and empower BCs in local governance,” he declared.

On the operation ‘Kagaar’ against Maoists, turning to national issues, Rao highlighted the Centre’s decisive steps to eradicate terrorism and Maoist activities through ‘Operation Kagaar’. He recalled that Maoists have, for decades, killed Dalits, tribals, police personnel, informers and BJP and ABVP workers in the name of revolution.