BRS Leader Challenges Government's Agricultural Expenditure Figures

Hyderabad: Senior BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao has challenged the Telangana government's assertions regarding agricultural spending, citing conflicting numbers presented during the Rythu Bharosa initiative.

Rao alleged that inconsistencies exist between the figures announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. The Finance Minister claimed the government had disbursed ₹1.56 lakh crore to farmers, while the Chief Minister stated the amount reached ₹1.75 lakh crore.

The former minister questioned the mathematical feasibility of these claims. He noted that the total budget allocation for agriculture through March 31, 2027, stands at approximately ₹82,000 crore. Rao pointed out that the government's spending claims—ranging between ₹1.56 lakh crore and ₹1.75 lakh crore by June 2026—far exceed the budgeted amounts for the sector.

Rao contended that the Rythu Bharosa programme serves as a distraction from the government's failure to deliver on its six guarantees and multiple electoral commitments. He further stated that the government has not implemented these promised initiatives.

The BRS leader also scrutinized the farm loan waiver scheme. Congress had pledged during elections to forgive loans up to ₹2 lakh, but the government subsequently restricted the benefit to short-term crop loans only. Rao characterized this modification as misleading to the farming community.

Rao urged the government to fulfill its commitments to farmers rather than present what he termed inflated statistics. He announced the BRS's readiness to engage in a public debate or Assembly discussion regarding the government's track record on agricultural affairs.

The dispute highlights growing tension between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BRS over agricultural policy implementation and fiscal transparency.