Telangana’s Fiscal Reality Must Be Exposed: Kishan Reddy

Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has urged the Telangana Congress government to release a comprehensive white paper on the state’s finances ahead of the March 16 assembly budget session .

He alleged that since Telangana’s formation in 2014, expected economic progress has been slow, both under the BRS and the current 27-month Congress rule. Rising per capita debt and dependence on loans for routine expenses, he said, highlight the state’s financial strain.

In an open letter to CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao , he stressed that interest on old loans, employee salaries, and welfare schemes should not require new borrowing. A white paper, he added, is essential to present the facts to the public.

Reddy also criticized the CM for previously claiming the treasury was empty, while suggesting funds could be given to the Sonia Gandhi–Rahul Gandhi family , creating a perception that Congress leaders benefit despite fiscal constraints.

He noted that the NDA government has supported Telangana with nearly ₹12 lakh crore through central schemes and capital investments. Interest-free loans under the 2020-21 Special Capital Investment Scheme have funded projects like roads, bridges, flyovers, hospitals, and drainage systems , with Telangana receiving over ₹10,000 crore in six years.

Reddy cautioned that state programs relying heavily on these central loans are concerning and reiterated that a white paper is necessary for transparency on Telangana’s finances.