Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy sought a Telangana finances white paper ahead of the Budget Session beginning March 16 and asked the State government to disclose its exact fiscal position.
In a letter to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, he questioned what he described as contradictory statements about the State treasury. Therefore, he urged the government to release a detailed Telangana finances white paper to ensure transparency.
Referring to the 2023 Assembly elections, Kishan Reddy said the Congress announced six major guarantees and 420 promises. He stated that voters entrusted the party with power based on those commitments.
He noted that after assuming office, the Chief Minister described the treasury as “empty like mud pots instead of treasure.” However, he said the Chief Minister later remarked at a public meeting that, if needed, ₹1,000 crore could be given to the Sonia Gandhi–Rahul Gandhi family and the Congress party.
Kishan Reddy argued that such statements created confusion about the State’s fiscal health. Consequently, he insisted that a Telangana finances white paper should precede the Budget Session so the public can examine verified figures.
Telangana finances white paper demand before March 16 session
Highlighting Central support since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kishan Reddy said the Centre allocated nearly ₹12 lakh crore to Telangana. According to him, the funds covered tax devolution, infrastructure projects, welfare schemes and capital investments.
He also referred to assistance under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme. Under this programme, he said Telangana received over ₹10,000 crore in interest-free loans during the past six years.
Kishan Reddy maintained that Telangana began its journey in 2014 with surplus funds. Yet, he said the State did not achieve visible financial consolidation over the decade.
He expressed concern over rising per capita debt and growing reliance on borrowings. Furthermore, he alleged that the government used loans to meet routine expenses such as interest payments, employee salaries, Rythu Bharosa support and other welfare schemes.
Such trends, he said, indicated fiscal stress. Finally, he reiterated that placing a Telangana finances white paper before the legislature would clarify the State’s financial position and enable informed debate.
