KTR Talks About Chandrababu & Jagan

Minister KT Ramarao has made several interesting comments and political remarks during his interview to a vernacular media. In a tete-a-tete with Eenadu, KTR answered on topics ranging from PM Narendra Modi’s comments on TRS, Rahul Gandhi, AP CM YS Jagan and former CM Chandrababu Naidu and his recently concluded Davos business visit.

Talking about AP CM YS Jagan and the inter-state relations, KTR said, “Jagan is like my elder brother. Even CM KCR treats him affectionately. There is no rift with the AP state government. Even with former CM Chandrababu, we had no direct fight. It was him who had joined hands with our political rival (Congress) and it led to the gap. We are maintaining friendly relations with Karnataka, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh as well.”

When asked about PM Narendra Modi’s critical comments, KTR breathed fire on Modi and BJP. “Modi visited Telangana eight times and he hasn’t issued any funds to the state, not even 8 paisa. The Centre is collecting taxes from Telangana, but it hasn’t given anything to the state. It is interested in giving funds to Gujarat.” KTR shot back on CM KCR personally not receiving PM Modi as per protocol. “Earlier, during GHMC polls, PM Modi had visited Hyderabad to check the pulse polio vaccination. Then, PMO had sent a letter to the CMO stating that CM KCR’s presence is not required. Respect has to be like ‘Give and Take’. Why should we respect a PM who doesn’t offer anything to our state?” KTR alleged that BJP is indulging in only politics of religion.

Showing sympathy towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his appeal to give one opportunity to rule, KTR said, “It shows the sad state of Congress party today that once ruled for over 5 decades. Why should one give another chance to Congress? Congress has failed to be a strong opposition in countering BJP.”

Opposition parties have been targeting the Telangana government over the huge debts incurred by the state. KTR denies. “All our debts are in line with the FRBM rules and regulations. Our debts were under limit. Telangana created wealth on the debt it raised. For every Rs 100 debt we took, we created a wealth of Rs 150. We’re regularly repaying our loans without fail. All our numbers and records of debts are fair. Whereas what did BJP do at the Centre? In 2013, India’s debt was at 56 lakh crore. Today, it is over 100 lakh crore which is doubled. Unlike for states, the Centre has no FRBM limit. There is no clarity over what the Centre did with the debts it raised.”

Ask him about the Davos trip. KTR is content and super happy with the success of Davos visit. “We have signed agreements for about Rs 4200 crore investments to the state. 25 companies are going to set up their investments in the state. When I first visited Davos in 2016, Telangana state was newly formed. Today, everyone there was talking about Hyderabad. Our target of investment from the Pharma sector is 7.7 lakh crore. Hyderabad is doing great in IT which it is proved again with the recently released annual report. We’re focusing on other sectors too. Golden Telangana will be reality”

KTR exuded confidence that TRS will win the next general election in the state with a vast majority. He said people will vote for them witnessing their development.