Nirmala Sitharaman Defends Telangana’s Financial Allocations, Addresses Opposition Criticism
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made significant remarks regarding the financial status of Telangana, particularly in light of the state’s trajectory since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking during a Rajya Sabha discussion on the Union Budget, Sitharaman noted that at the time of bifurcation, Telangana had a surplus budget but later fell into debt. She also emphasized that the NDA government at the Center has never discriminated against any state, including Telangana.
Responding to criticisms from the opposition, who alleged that Telangana was treated unfairly in the Union Budget, Sitharaman asserted that the state had received its due financial allocations. She dismissed claims that NDA-ruled states like Bihar were given priority, stating that Telangana was also allocated funds, specifically citing the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park sanctioned for the state.
In addition to addressing the budget allocations, Sitharaman also pointed to significant initiatives that benefited Telangana under the current government. She highlighted that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had contested and won elections from Medak in Telangana, but it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that led to the establishment of the railway station there. Sitharaman also mentioned several important projects in the state, including the Sammakka-Sarakka tribal festival, the Ramagundam fertilizer plant, and the Turmeric Board, all of which were sanctioned under the Modi-led government.
Her remarks have sparked a renewed discussion regarding Telangana’s financial standing and the Center’s continued support for development initiatives in the state.
