BJP MPs must ensure justice to Telangana in the Union Budget: Ponnam

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar alleged that Telangana has been subjected to severe injustice in the last 11 Union Budgets presented by the Centre, and the 8 BJP MPs from the State should ensure that Telangana got its right this time at least.

Addressing the media ahead of the Union Budget, the Minister said the State has consistently been denied its fair share of financial allocations. Since Telangana has elected eight Members of Parliament, the Centre should, at the very least, allocate higher funds to the State this time. He also called upon BJP MPs from Telangana to put pressure on the Centre to secure adequate allocations.

Mr. Prabhakar said the State government has already communicated its requirements and priorities to the Centre. He demanded special allocations for key infrastructure projects, including dry ports, temple tourism development, and airport expansion.

The Minister alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had opposed the formation of Telangana and accused the Centre of continuing discriminatory practices even after repeated meetings with senior Union leaders and submission of detailed representations.

Referring to the timing of the Budget presentation, he remarked that the Union Budget is being tabled on a Pournami (full moon) day and said it remains to be seen whether it would bring “light or darkness” to Telangana.

Expressing optimism, he said the State hopes the upcoming budget will be favourable. However, he warned that if Telangana is once again ignored, the responsibility would rest with the eight BJP MPs elected from the State.