Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Thursday urged Telangana BJP leaders to question the Centre over Telangana pending dues, projects and approvals. He accused BJP leaders of focusing on criticism of the Congress government instead of pressing the Union government on the State’s interests.
In a statement, Ponnam said BJP leaders should approach the Centre and question Prime Minister Narendra Modi if they were genuinely committed to Telangana’s interests.
He asked why the State BJP leadership was not raising issues concerning funds due from the Centre. He also referred to pending projects and approvals sought by Telangana. The Minister said BJP leaders had a responsibility to exert pressure on the Union government to secure funds, projects and clearances for the State.
Ponnam questions BJP over Telangana pending dues
Ponnam asked BJP leaders to explain why Telangana was not receiving funds and projects on par with BJP-ruled States. He alleged that some BJP leaders believed attacking the Congress government would help them retain political relevance. He also claimed they were attempting to attract the attention of their party’s central leadership.
Instead, Ponnam said the BJP should perform a constructive role as the Opposition. He urged the party to raise Telangana’s rights and press the Centre to resolve pending issues. The Minister also questioned the BJP’s approach during the previous TRS government’s tenure. He alleged that several dues accumulated during its 10 years in office.
Congress government clearing previous arrears: Ponnam
Ponnam said the present Congress government was making regular payments while simultaneously working to clear arrears inherited from the previous administration. He further alleged that several commitments made to Telangana remained unfulfilled despite the BJP-led government’s tenure at the Centre.
According to Ponnam, funds and projects due to Telangana also remained pending. He called on State BJP leaders to focus their efforts on securing those commitments from the Union government.