BJP MLA Payal Shankar terms Telangana budget session as disappointing

Hyderabad: Adilabad BJP MLA Payal Shankar strongly criticised the recent Telangana Legislative Assembly budget sessions, calling them disappointing and inadequate in addressing public concerns. Addressing the media on Tuesday at the BJP Telangana State office, Shankar said the short duration of the sessions has left people disillusioned. He pointed out that while the Congress party had earlier demanded at least 45 days for budget discussions when in opposition, it concluded the current session in just 10 days after coming to power.

Budget sessions are crucial for shaping the future of the state, but the government has failed to meet expectations, he remarked. Shankar accused the Congress government of suppressing the voice of the BJP in the Assembly and ridiculing opposition criticism instead of providing answers. He condemned the appointment of MIM MLAs as panel speakers, calling it an insult to the nation.

Highlighting farmers’ distress, he said the BJP demanded payment of dues and discussion on suicides, but the government remained unresponsive.

He also raised concerns about employees and pensioners struggling to access funds deducted from salaries and the refusal of the government to discuss unemployment. Citing the CAG report, Shankar noted discrepancies in state accounts and failure to utilise Rs 60,000 crore from the previous budget.

He accused Congress of neglecting SC/ST sub-plan funds and weakening state-run institutions by taking loans in their name.

He further alleged that the resources of Telangana were being diverted to fund Congress campaigns in other states, while local bills remained unpaid. On corruption, he demanded a full CBI inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project.

Shankar said that the BJP will continue its fight until Congress fulfils its promises. Senior BJP leaders including Sangappa, Kappara Prasad Rao, Raju Mudiraj, Prabha Goud, and Venkat Reddy also attended the press meet.