KTR Accuses Congress of Stalling Urban Growth, Warns of Electoral Fallout

Cities “Pushed Into Crisis,” BRS Leader Tells Party Cadre Ahead of Municipal Polls

Hyderabad: KT Rama Rao on Saturday accused the Congress government of neglecting urban development, alleging that towns and cities across the State are facing a severe crunch due to inadequate funding. He said voters would hold the ruling party accountable in the forthcoming municipal elections.

Addressing a meeting of party leaders from Khammam and Nizamabad districts in Hyderabad, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president said development in municipalities and municipal corporations had taken a back seat over the past two years. According to him, even basic civic works were affected as sufficient funds were not released, leaving little scope for new development initiatives.

Funding Gaps and Civic Strain

Rama Rao said the situation in urban areas had steadily worsened, pushing cities and towns into what he described as a crisis. He challenged Congress leaders to seek votes by placing before the public a clear account of funds allocated to urban development over the last two years. “People in urban areas are angry,” he said, alleging that civic administration had effectively collapsed.

He pointed to everyday problems faced by residents, including poor sanitation in colonies, as evidence of administrative failure. “Cities are struggling to maintain basic services,” he added, blaming the situation on a lack of financial support from the government.

Projects at a Standstill

The BRS leader further alleged that, apart from re-inaugurating projects that were already operational, the Congress government had not undertaken any substantial new initiatives. He said key infrastructure works, including the construction of community halls, model markets and road development projects, had come to a halt due to funding constraints.

Focus Shifts to Municipal Elections

Referring to the party’s performance in recent gram panchayat elections, where BRS-backed candidates secured victories, Rama Rao urged party workers to aim for even stronger results in the upcoming municipal polls. He called on leaders to intensify their efforts and highlight what he described as the government’s failures in urban governance.

Call for Collective Strategy

Senior party leader and former minister T Harish Rao also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for unity and coordinated action to secure a decisive victory in the municipal elections. He discussed strategies to be adopted on the ground, urging leaders to work collectively as the campaign gains momentum.

The meeting underscored the BRS’s focus on urban issues as it prepares for the municipal polls, positioning governance and development as central themes in its campaign.