Telangana Assembly: Heated Debates and Key Budget Proposal Unveiling, Ravanth Reddy vs KCR Telangana Budget 2024.
The Telangana Assembly sessions have been intense, with ruling and opposition members engaging in fierce exchanges. Each side has been highlighting the shortcomings of the other’s administration, resulting in sharp criticisms.
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka to Present Budget Proposals
Today, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, overseeing the Finance Ministry, is set to present the budget proposals in the Assembly. These proposals will be submitted at noon. The budget discussion will commence on the 27th of this month, with several bills scheduled to be introduced on the 29th, 30th, and 31st. Notably, the finance bill is set to be presented on the 31st.
First Full Budget by CM Revanth Reddy’s Government
This budget holds significant importance as it is the first full-fledged budget presented since the Congress party, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, came to power. Previously, the Revanth government had presented a Vote on Account budget. It is anticipated that substantial funds will be allocated to welfare and development sectors. The Telangana cabinet, presided over by Revanth Reddy, has approved the budget proposals prepared by the Finance Ministry without any modifications. These budget proposals amount to INR 2.95 lakh crore, with a significant portion likely allocated to six guarantees, for which approximately INR 75,000 crore is expected to be set aside. The Agriculture Ministry is also expected to receive a considerable share.
KCR’s First Assembly Attendance as Opposition Leader
For the first time, former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) attended the Assembly as the Leader of the Opposition. After the state’s formation, KCR’s BRS government was in power twice, and he served as the Chief Minister. Now, as the opposition leader, KCR made his first appearance in the Assembly, accompanied by BRS MLAs.
Congress Questions KCR’s Absence from Assembly
Since the Congress party came to power in the state, KCR had been staying away from the Assembly sessions, a point that the ruling Congress party has repeatedly raised to put the BRS on the defensive. With the budget presentation today, KCR decided to attend the Assembly. However, it remains to be seen whether KCR will participate in the budget discussion or attend only for the day.
Assembly Rules and KCR’s Attendance
According to Assembly rules, elected MLAs must attend at least one day of the session within six months. This has fueled speculation about whether KCR’s attendance is just to meet this requirement. The opposition leader has been assigned a chamber in the Assembly lobby, which BRS members previously complained about being cramped. It will be interesting to see if KCR will use this chamber.
Post-Budget Kaleshwaram Tour for BRS Members
After the budget session concludes today, BRS MLAs and MLCs will embark on a tour to Kaleshwaram. They plan to visit the Medigadda and Kannepalli pump houses, integral parts of the Kaleshwaram project. This schedule includes a visit to Medigadda by BRS MLAs and an inspection of the Kannepalli pump house by the party leaders.