Development: Congress did it, and can do it again!

As the BJP and the TRS are yet again resorting to the old formula of showering promises on the citizens of Hyderabad, I thought it is very important to present their poor progress report before the people of this city.

Neither the TRS nor the BJP ever hold the history of retaining their promises. The TRS knows it better how to play with the temporary emotions and sentiments of the people, while the BJP's birthright is to entice voters with a bait of sensational promises. If we rewind the promises made by the TRS during the 2016 GHMC elections, or 2014 elections and during the 2018 elections, we will be able to understand the betrayal of the TRS.

Although everyone knows about the TRS promises, still for a sample… 1) Telangana's first Chief Minister will be a Dalit, 2) 3 acres of farm land to each Dalit family, 3) 10% reservation to Muslim minorities, 4) 12% reservation to STs, 5) Double bedroom houses for all, 6) Rs 3,016 monthly grant to unemployed youth.

When it comes to the BJP... 1) Bringing back the black money within 100 days from the foreign banks and deposit Rs 15,00,000 in every individual's account, 2) 2 crore new jobs every year, 3) Double digit annual GDP growth. But, in reality, it is a fact that both the TRS and the BJP have competed with each other in forgetting the promises they have made to the people.

What has been done by the Congress?

As an answer to the question of what has been done by the Congress for the development of the city of Hyderabad, there are numerous examples which include; The prestigious institutions like Midhani, DRDO, DRDL, NFC, BHEL, HAL, CSIR (CSER?), IICT, NGRI, SOI, ICRISAT, CRIDA which were established during the Congress regime. At a time when the Congress was in power at the Centre and in the State, all these institutions have been set up with a great coordination and cooperation.

In addition to it, Central University, JNTU and NALSAR University were also established and Hyderabad has received recognition in India and abroad. It was during the Congress regime the Hyderabad Municipality became the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has been set up. Hyderabad's planned development could only be possible after the establishment of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

A lot of developmental schemes were implemented during the UPA government at the Centre and Congress government in the State. Taken part in JNNMURM project, taken up housing, floodwater management system, construction of retaining wall for Kukatpally Nala, new buses for RTC, Hyderabad Metro Rail Project etc, are to be remembered. It was during the UPA-II, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Bill was formulated and tabled in Parliament in 2013.

In order to provide the best infrastructure to the city and to ensure safe drinking water to the people of Hyderabad, the Congress has brought Krishna water to Hyderabad through phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 and Godavari water from Sripada Ellampally in addition to Manjeera river water. The Congress has made Hyderabad a wonderful destination for employment not only for the locals, but also for the migrant workers by establishing heavy industries in and around the city.

It is the Congress which has made the foundation for building Hitec City in Hyderabad and encouraged the IT/ITES industry. Gandhi Hospital, Primary Health Centres, JNTU, IIT, National Rural Health Mission all have been set up during the Congress rule. With great pride and privilege, we can say that the Congress has delivered its promise by creating Telangana State. We can strongly argue that no other party can come closer to the Congress in delivering its promises.

Why don't you transfer funds to local bodies?

The TRS is yet again betraying the people of Hyderabad during the ongoing GHMC elections. The TRS is questioning us by saying it is impossible to deliver the promises with the annual budgetary allocations of GHMC budget. Is it their innocence or lack of awareness? At a time when the city of Hyderabad is contributing Rs 1 lakh crore to the State's exchequer every year, isn't it the basic responsibility of the State government to develop this city? Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao has been propagating at every gully meeting that they are getting about 1 lakh crore by the Centre although they give Rs 2.40 lakh crore to the Centre. He always makes this statement like finding a rat by digging a mountain. Then, what are you doing Rama Rao? Are you allocating all the revenue being generated from Hyderabad to the same city? Aren't you diverting the funds to other sectors? Mr. Minister, you must answer this question with your conscience!

The Congress through the amendments of 73 and 74 provided the facility to transfer the funds to the local bodies. But, aren't you looting them by not allocating enough funds and duties during the last 6 years?

We must acknowledge that there is no necessity to develop Hyderabad only through the GHMC annual budgetary allocations. There are several options available to develop Hyderabad without even levying further taxes on the citizens. And therefore, we can say that all the promises made in the Congress manifesto can certainly be delivered and there won't be any doubts on this! For example, when it comes to floods and disaster management, no additional funds are required for following the guidelines of NDMA and for conducting regular mock drills by creating Hyderabad Disaster Management Plan. With the support of Doppler weather radar maps, we can predict the rain and as well as the rainfall 3 to 6 hours in advance. Utilising the communication systems effectively to disseminate the information doesn't require thousands of crores, right? Regular cleaning of nalas, constructing retaining walls and fencing do not also require huge funds. By creating the Lake Protection Authority and with the support of RWAs, we can protect the lakes from encroachments. It doesn't require huge funds.

The Congress stands for inclusiveness and therefore, we have included each of the sections in our election manifesto. Healthcare services, transportation, education, libraries, housing, concession on property tax, subsidy in electricity consumption for individuals, pure drinking water, skill development, jobs and support for the self-employment seekers, slum development, pollution free Hyderabad, cleaning of the Musi river, financial support for small businessmen, old age welfare, citizen safety, good governance, sewerage management etc, every aspect is included.

Just to reiterate our key promises to the GHMC people, we will pay Rs 50,000 to all the flood victims, Rs 5 lakh for fully destroyed houses, Rs 2,50,000 for partially damaged homes, Rs 8,00,000 financial aid for constructing double bedroom houses on their own plots, Rs 4,00,000 for an additional bedroom extension. All the women, students, physically challenged and senior citizens will be provided free transportation in RTC buses and Metro Rail. Complete waiver of property tax and electricity bills to the shops belonging to barbers, carpenters, washermen and goldsmiths.

Free water distribution of 30,000 litres, free power up to 100 units and Covid-19 treatment will be brought under Aarogyasri etc. I can assure you that all these promises will not just be promises, but they will absolutely be fulfilled. The Congress has never slipped on its promises in the past and it will certainly fulfill the promises in the future as well. We need to emphasize once again that Hyderabad was well recognised in India and internationally with the effective, systematic and planned schemes implemented by the Congress.

Since we have got this history of accomplishment, with a great pride, we promise the citizens of Hyderabad that "We have developed in the past and we will do it again". You have given enough chances to the TRS and please give us one chance for the development of our own city of Hyderabad. We appeal the people of Hyderabad to vote for the Congress.

(The writer is Congress Legislature Party leader, Telangana Assembly. Views expressed are personal)