Telangana, a state born from a relentless struggle for identity and self-governance, stands today as a beacon of progress and resilience. At the heart of this transformation is the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a party rooted in the aspirations of Telangana’s people. Unlike other political entities tethered to distant power centers, BRS has consistently placed the state’s citizens at the forefront, delivering tangible results that have reshaped lives and livelihoods. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Telangana under BRS leadership, highlighting its achievements, exposing the failures of its detractors, and urging voters to make informed choices for a prosperous future.
The Birth of BRS: A Movement for Telangana’s Soul
A Party Forged in Struggle
Founded just 24 years ago, BRS emerged with a singular mission: to secure statehood for Telangana. Unlike century-old parties with diluted agendas, BRS was born from the sweat and sacrifice of its people. For 14–15 years, its leaders and supporters endured imprisonment, humiliation, and even death threats to achieve this dream. The party’s history is not a distant tale but a living testament to the resilience of Telangana’s citizens, many of whom actively participated in the movement.
People as the True Bosses
BRS operates with a unique ethos: it answers to the people of Telangana, not to Delhi’s political elite. While other parties bow to centralized leadership, BRS draws its strength from the aspirations, needs, and dreams of its citizens. This people-centric approach has been the cornerstone of its governance, ensuring that policies reflect local realities rather than external dictates.
Telangana Before BRS: A Legacy of Neglect
Congress’s Dismal Record
Before Telangana’s formation, the Congress party presided over decades of neglect and exploitation. The forced merger of Telangana with Andhra Pradesh, against the will of its people, set the stage for systemic marginalization. Protests were met with violence—seven students were gunned down in broad daylight near City College in Hyderabad during the “Idli Sambar Go Back” movement. For 50 years, Congress’s mismanagement left Telangana’s districts like Mahbubnagar, Medak, and Nalgonda in abject poverty, with half their populations struggling to survive.
A State in Shambles
Under Congress rule, Telangana grappled with acute shortages of basic necessities. Drinking water was scarce, electricity was unreliable, and irrigation facilities were nonexistent, crippling agriculture. Handloom workers and farmers, driven to despair, resorted to suicides. The state’s rich natural resources, like the coal reserves of Singareni, were squandered through mismanagement, leaving Telangana’s economy in tatters.
BRS’s Decade of Transformation: Rebuilding Telangana
Reviving Singareni: From Losses to Prosperity
Singareni Collieries, a 134-year-old company and Telangana’s pride, was on the brink of collapse under Congress. Mismanagement led to mounting debts, forcing Congress to surrender 49% of the company’s shares to the central government. BRS reversed this decline. By appointing competent leadership and prioritizing workers’ welfare, BRS transformed Singareni into a profit-making enterprise. From a modest profit of ₹419 crore in 2014, Singareni recorded ₹2,184 crore in profits by 2025. Workers now receive bonuses totaling ₹1,000 crore annually, a stark contrast to the paltry sums offered under Congress.
Empowering Workers
BRS’s commitment to Singareni’s workforce is unparalleled. Dependent jobs, scrapped by Congress and communist unions, were reinstated, providing employment to 19,400 individuals compared to Congress’s meager 6,400. Interest-free loans of ₹10 lakh for housing, with interest borne by the company, have enabled workers to build secure futures. These measures reflect BRS’s dedication to uplifting those who power Telangana’s economy.
Agricultural Renaissance: Supporting Telangana’s Farmers
Rythu Bandhu: A Game-Changer
The Rythu Bandhu scheme, pioneered by BRS, has revolutionized agriculture in Telangana. By providing direct financial assistance to farmers, the scheme has alleviated debts and boosted productivity. Unlike Congress, which dismissed Rythu Bandhu as “wasteful,” BRS recognizes its transformative impact. Farmers now cultivate with confidence, free from the fear of loan sharks and foreclosures that plagued the Congress era.
Dharani Portal: Empowering Landowners
The Dharani portal, another BRS innovation, has streamlined land records, eliminating bureaucratic corruption. Previously, farmers were at the mercy of revenue officials who manipulated records for bribes. Dharani ensures that land transactions require biometric authentication, giving farmers sole authority over their property. Critics from Congress, threatening to dismantle Dharani, risk plunging Telangana back into an era of middlemen and exploitation.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
BRS’s commitment to 24-hour electricity has transformed rural life. While Congress leaders mock this as excessive, suggesting three hours suffice, BRS understands that reliable power is the backbone of agriculture and industry. Telangana is the only state in India to provide uninterrupted electricity to farmers, a feat unmatched even in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state.
Social Welfare: Uplifting the Marginalized
Dalit Bandhu: A National Model
BRS’s Dalit Bandhu scheme is a groundbreaking initiative to empower Dalit communities. Unlike Congress, which used Dalits as a vote bank for 75 years without delivering progress, BRS has implemented targeted programs to foster economic independence. Dalit Bandhu provides financial assistance to every Dalit household, enabling entrepreneurship and self-reliance. This scheme, unique to Telangana, underscores BRS’s commitment to social justice.
Honoring Ambedkar’s Legacy
BRS has gone beyond rhetoric to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The 125-foot Ambedkar statue in Hyderabad, the tallest in India, stands as a symbol of Telangana’s commitment to equality. The state secretariat, named Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, serves as a daily reminder to administrators of their duty to uphold Ambedkar’s ideals. These actions contrast sharply with Congress’s historical betrayal, including defeating Ambedkar in parliamentary elections.
Pension and Ration Enhancements
BRS has significantly increased pensions, from ₹200 under Congress to ₹2,000, with plans to raise it to ₹5,000 by 2030. Ration cardholders, numbering 93 lakh, will soon receive fine-quality rice, ensuring food security. The Arogyasri health scheme’s coverage has been expanded to ₹15 lakh, providing critical support to vulnerable families.
Education and Infrastructure: Building a Bright Future
Residential Schools for All
BRS has established residential schools for Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities, offering world-class education to marginalized communities. These institutions, now transitioning into colleges, provide opportunities that were unimaginable under Congress. The focus on inclusive education ensures that every child, regardless of background, has a shot at success.
Irrigation and Infrastructure Projects
BRS has invested heavily in irrigation, with projects like the ₹1,650-crore Etthipothala scheme boosting agricultural output. These initiatives have brought water to parched lands, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops annually. Infrastructure development, from roads to schools, has transformed Telangana into a hub of opportunity.
The Threat of Regression: Congress and BJP’s Agendas
Congress’s Empty Promises
Congress’s track record in Telangana is one of broken promises and betrayal. Leaders like Uttam Kumar Reddy and Revanth Reddy dismiss BRS’s welfare schemes as wasteful, revealing their disconnect from the people. Their pledge to scrap Dharani and reduce power supply threatens to undo a decade of progress, pushing farmers and workers back into poverty.
BJP’s Privatization Push
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, advocates for privatization of critical assets like Singareni. Handing over Telangana’s coal reserves to private entities would jeopardize thousands of jobs and undermine the state’s economic sovereignty. BRS’s resistance to such policies has preserved Singareni as a public asset, benefiting workers and the state.
A Call to Action: Vote for Progress
The Power of an Informed Vote
Elections are not a game of chance but a decision that shapes the future. BRS urges Telangana’s voters to evaluate parties based on their history, vision, and actions. Congress’s 50 years of neglect and BJP’s privatization agenda stand in stark contrast to BRS’s proven track record. A single vote, cast thoughtlessly, could unravel a decade of progress.
Rejecting Suitcase Politics
BRS warns against “suitcase politicians” who appear during elections with cash and empty promises. These opportunists, switching parties for personal gain, lack the commitment to Telangana’s people. Leaders like Balka Suman, who fought alongside the people, embody the integrity and dedication that Telangana deserves.
A Vision for the Future
BRS’s manifesto outlines a bold vision: increased Rythu Bandhu payments, higher pensions, fine rice for ration cardholders, and expanded healthcare coverage. These promises are not hollow; they build on a decade of delivered results. By choosing BRS, voters can ensure that Telangana continues its upward trajectory.
Conclusion: Telangana’s Destiny in Your Hands
Telangana’s journey from a neglected region to a thriving state is a testament to BRS’s unwavering commitment. The party’s achievements—reviving Singareni, empowering farmers, uplifting Dalits, and honoring Ambedkar—reflect a vision rooted in the people’s aspirations. As elections approach, the choice is clear: support a party that has delivered progress or risk regression under those who failed Telangana for decades. Your vote is your power. Use it wisely to secure a prosperous future for Telangana.
