Ponguleti Slams KTR, Dismisses BRS 'Semi-Final' Claim
Warangal to be transformed on par with Hyderabad, says minister: Reports
WARANGAL: Warangal district in-charge minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, asserting that the party’s return to power was “nothing but a dream”.
Responding to Rama Rao’s remarks made in Khammam district, the minister said that despite repeated defeats in recent elections, the BRS leadership had failed to learn any lessons and was now making baseless claims by projecting the upcoming local body elections as a “semi-final”.
Speaking to reporters, Srinivas Reddy advised Rama Rao to first put his own house in order before dreaming of regaining power. He said the electorate had already rejected the BRS in the general elections and the Jubilee Hills byelection. He also made a veiled reference to ongoing investigations and political developments, remarking that the BRS leadership was aware of the “Diwali bombs” currently exploding around it.
Earlier in the day, the minister, along with panchayat raj minister Seethakka, chaired a review meeting at the Integrated District Offices Complex (IDOC) in Hanamkonda to assess the progress of major development works. The projects reviewed included Mamnoor Airport, the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, the Super Specialty Hospital and the Inner Ring Road.
The meeting also reviewed the status of the underground drainage system and flood-prevention works to ensure preparedness for future monsoon seasons. Public welfare schemes received priority, with discussions held on the implementation of Indiramma Houses, 2BHK housing and the Bhu Bharati land programme. Agricultural issues such as urea supply and ongoing grain procurement were also reviewed to ensure farmers do not face difficulties.
Notably, endowments minister Konda Surekha skipped the review meeting for the second time, even as all MLAs, MLCs and senior party leaders attended.
Addressing officials, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy reiterated that the state government was committed to developing Warangal on par with Hyderabad and outlined a vision to transform the historic city into the State’s second-largest hub for healthcare, industry and infrastructure.
He set strict deadlines for housing projects, directing officials to resolve all pending issues related to Indiramma Houses and 2BHK homes by January 31. He announced that the second phase of the Indiramma Housing scheme would begin in April. He also said tenders worth ₹4,000 crore for the underground drainage system and ₹570 crore for drinking water supply would be floated within a week to prevent future flooding.
On the Inner Ring Road, the minister said the first phase of land acquisition had been completed and the second phase, costing ₹305 crore, would soon be taken up for tendering. Restoration of Mada Veedulu (streets) and desilting of Bhadrakali Lake are under way at a cost of ₹30 crore. He added that plans for the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park were being revised to prevent flood damage, and a Detailed Project Report was being prepared for a new cricket stadium and sports school.
The minister urged officials of all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure that key development projects, including Bhadrakali Temple Mada Veedulu and urban housing schemes, are completed within stipulated timelines for the benefit of the people.
