Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy criticises KCR over Dalit representation and welfare schemes

HYDERABAD: Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), accusing him of neglecting Dalit representation and mismanaging welfare schemes during his tenure.

Speaking to the media, Reddy challenged KCR to discuss the state’s progress in the Assembly, criticising him for not appointing a Dalit as Chief Minister or even as Leader of the Opposition. He alleged that KCR’s administration failed to provide adequate funds to panchayats, leaving village sarpanches in difficult situations.

Reddy further accused KCR of spreading misinformation about the current Congress government’s welfare initiatives, claiming that the previous BRS government had accumulated significant dues and arrears, particularly affecting contractors.

He also criticised the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme, suggesting it was introduced out of fear of losing the Huzurabad by-election and questioned its limited application, asking whether Dalits exist only in specific constituencies.

Addressing the Medigadda barrage issue, Reddy alleged that corruption had been exposed in the project, claiming that the Kaleshwaram project had become an “ATM” for KCR.

Expressing confidence in the Congress party’s prospects, Reddy stated that the people of Telangana would support Congress in the upcoming elections, leading to the formation of a new government.