Congress, BRS Lock Horns over State Loans
The session began with Speaker Gaddam Prasad presiding over the Question Hour
Assembly adjourned over Farm Loans issue
Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly session witnessed intense verbal duels between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS, primarily centered on the State's debt burden.
The debate escalated during the discussion on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) loans.
The session began with Speaker Gaddam Prasad presiding over the Question Hour. During this time, Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka responded to a question posed by former minister Harish Rao regarding FRBM loans. Bhatti revealed that the State government had guaranteed loans worth Rs51,200 crore until November 2024. However, Harish Rao strongly objected to Bhatti's statements.
Countering the claims, Harish Rao said that the State’s debt had been exaggerated and accused the Congress government of borrowing Rs1.27 lakh crore within a year.
He said during the previous BRS administration, the debt stood at Rs4,17,486 crore, refuting allegations of a Rs7 lakh crore debt. Harish Rao demanded a special discussion on the debt issue and reminded the Assembly of Congress’ pre-election assurances about their expertise in revenue generation.
He alleged that the government was now deflecting from its promises by blaming debt.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka criticised the BRS party for misleading the House. He challenged BRS to a debate on the State’s financial situation, to which Harish Rao readily agreed. Bhatti emphasised that the Congress government had already issued a white paper on the debt status and questioned BRS' sudden concerns.
Further escalating the matter, Harish Rao urged the Speaker to allow the privilege motion filed against the Revanth Reddy-led government. He insisted that the debt discussion be taken up immediately before the session concludes, citing discrepancies between the actual debts and figures presented by the government.
Bhatti Vikramarka hit back, accusing the BRS of hypocrisy and recalling their own governance practices over the past decade. He alleged that BRS had left Rs40,000 crore in pending bills and failed to clear dues worth Rs18,000 crore in civil supplies.
The Deputy Chief Minister criticised Harish Rao for spreading misinformation and reiterated the government’s commitment to financial transparency. "We are ready for a discussion on debts and assets anytime," Bhatti declared, accepting Harish Rao's challenge.
Assembly Session Adjourned to Wednesday
The Assembly session has been adjourned till Wednesday. The Speaker said the session will resume at 10 AM on that day.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties have insisted on discussing the Lagacharla incident in the Assembly.
Despite protests by BRS and BJP Members demanding adjournment resolutions, the House passed three key bills amidst the protests. The Young India Sports University Bill, the Universities Act Amendment Bill and the State GST Amendment Bill were passed without any debate.
