CM Revanth challenges KCR to public debate on welfare schemes

Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy tore into BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing him of drawing ₹65 lakh in salary, perks, and enjoying police protection over the past 16 months as leader of the opposition, without once setting foot in the state assembly.
"While the state burns with pressing issues, the former chief minister rests in his Erravelli farmhouse, avoiding his constitutional duties," Revanth said while speaking at Mahatma Basaveshwara's birth anniversary event here on Wednesday. "What moral right does KCR have to question the govt when he hasn't even shown up to do his job," he questioned.
Revanth dismissed KCR's recent claims that the Congress govt had stalled key welfare schemes. He challenged the BRS leader to an open debate on flagship initiatives like Rythu Bharosa, fee reimbursement, Kalyana Lakshmi- Shaadi Mubarak, SC sub-categorisation, caste census, free electricity to agriculture and households up to 200 units, and free bus travel for women.
"Which of these schemes have we stalled? Let him name one. This govt has continued and even strengthened most of these programmes," he claimed.
The CM emphasised the role of the opposition as defined by the Constitution: To participate in debate, scrutinise govt policies, and hold the ruling party accountable within the legislature. "Opposition parties can protest, stage dharnas, or even go on hunger strikes. But what has KCR done? He neither attended the assembly nor took public issues to the people. Yet, he continues to draw a salary funded by taxpayers. Which Constitution allows that," he wondered.
Taking exception to KCR's remarks during the BRS's silver jubilee celebrations in Warangal, where he labelled the Congress "the main villain of Telangana," Revanth reminded the public that it was the Congress that granted Telangana statehood. "If we are the villains, how did your family enjoy power for 10 years? You ruled, looted, and now accuse others when out of power," he said.
Mocking KCR's speech, Revanth likened it to "a cat going on pilgrimage after eating 100 mice." He added, "KCR went there not to seek redemption but to spread lies. He couldn't even muster the courage to take my name during the entire speech."
Despite political differences, the CM pointed out that the state govt had facilitated BRS's celebrations by providing RTC buses and ensuring public order. "People would have appreciated it if KCR had at least acknowledged the good done by this govt and focused on real issues," Revanth said.
Revanth also addressed KCR's jibe about Congress not being able to face ‘junior MLAs' in the assembly. "You call them ‘pillagandlu,' but these junior MLAs were elected by the people. When you refuse to face them, how can you question the govt's mandate?"
Reiterating his commitment to delivering on promises, the CM said, "I will do what I say. Even my enemies will admit that much about me," he thundered.
Conceding that the govt could do better in communicating its achievements, Revanth turned to the young SSC students present at the event. "You are the future of this state. Be our ambassadors. Tell your families what this govt has done in the past 16 months. Help us spread the truth," he said.