HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao expressed confidence in retaining power for a third consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly polls, going as far as predicting a win by a bigger margin than in 2018, saying the BRS would win five or six more seats than the 88 secured previously.
Addressing a mammoth public meeting in Suryapet on Sunday, the Chief Minister announced to enhance Aasara pension soon and appealed to people of the state not to believe the “fake promises” of Congress, of enhancing the pensions to Rs 4,000 per month. He ridiculed appeals being made by Congress and BJP to voters, seeking “one opportunity” to rule the state.
“People gave several opportunities for Congress to rule the state, for 50 years. They did not nothing for the welfare of people and development of state. They gave just Rs 200 pension per month to the poor. They did not give even Rs 500 pension per month,” Rao said.
“They are now promising to give Rs 4,000 per month if they are voted to power. I appeal to people not to get carried away by such fake promises. If you fall into their trap, you will lose both the existing pension and also not get the enhanced pension. Why is Congress not giving Rs 4,000 pension in states such as Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Karnataka, ruled by it? Does Congress have a different policy for different states? It proves that Congress leaders are only making false promises and cheating people to come to power in Telangana,” Rao said.
Juxtaposing Congress’ promises with BRS schemes, Rao said: “When we launched Kalyana Lakshmi scheme, we gave Rs 50,000. Now, it has been doubled to Rs 1 lakh. Similarly, Aasara pensions were started at Rs 1,000 per month, which has now been enhanced to Rs 2,000. As the wealth of state government increased, it was distributed to the poor. We will definitely enhance Aasara pension and other schemes which I will announce in the coming days.”
Rao cautioned voters that Telangana state will return to the ‘dark days’ if Congress comes to power.
“Look at Karnataka. People there voted Congress to power recently and are facing the consequences, facing severe power cuts. Even capital city Bengaluru is not spared. The BRS government is the only one in the country which is giving 24-hour power to all sectors in Telangana. If you want this to be continued, elect BRS government again,” Rao said.
Rao also slammed the Congress and BJP on the issue of free power for agriculture. “Congress says three-hour free power to agriculture is enough in Telangana. BJP wants to install electricity meters at agriculture borewells because it wants to scrap free power. BRS gives 24x7 free power to agriculture. I request people to choose between BRS and Opposition parties on free power.”
The Chief Minister also lashed out at Congress for declaring that it will scrap Dharani portal, if it is voted to power.
“Dharani eradicated corruption and brought transparency in land registrations. Congress wants to bring back middlemen and corruption menace by abolishing Dharani. BRS government has given up its powers on its own on land issues by bringing Dharani. It accorded powers to people on land issues with Dharani. No one can change land records in Dharani except people. People can change land records with their thumb impression at registration offices,” he said.
“Earlier, VRO, revenue inspector, MRO, RDO, district collector, revenue secretary, CCLA and revenue minister had powers to change land records. People faced lot of hardships. With Dharani, even a CM or a CS has no power to change land records. That’s the power I gave to people. Let people decide whether they want to enjoy this power or lose it,” Rao said.
He said that if Dharani is scrapped, people will lose direct benefit transfers for schemes such as Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima and MSP for paddy procurement, warning that people will be forced to make rounds of officials or pay bribes to get their dues.
Earlier in the day, Rao inaugurated the Integrated District Collectorate Complex, district SP office, government medical colleges and an integrated vegetable and meat market in Suryapet district. Rao also inaugurated the BRS district office in Suryapet.
Showering sops on Suryapet district on the occasion, Rao announced a Rs 50-crore special grant for Suryapet municipality, besides Rs 25 crore each to Huzurnagar, Kodada, Nereducharla and Thirumalagiri municipalities.
