Rumblings of discontent among members of Treasury benches in Assembly, Council
Hyderabad: The Telangana Budget session witnessed unusual dissent, not only from opposition members but also from ruling party representatives. Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and Congress MLC Vijayashanthi emerged as key voices, strongly criticising the government and putting it under considerable pressure. Speculation has grown within the Congress party that the assertive criticism of the two leaders may be linked to ministerial assurances given when they joined the party. Discussions suggest that the upcoming cabinet expansion, expected after the ongoing five-state elections, could include both Rajgopal Reddy and Vijayashanthi under the AICC quota.
Observers note that the induction of Vijayashanthi would strengthen the BC quota representation, addressing concerns over social justice and the 42 per cent BC reservation issue. It is recalled that BRS Deputy Floor Leader Talasani Srinivas Yadav had earlier demanded the government induct two BCs into vacant positions.
Political circles suggest both leaders may have issued a subtle sweet warning to the Congress leadership through their outspoken criticism in the Assembly and Council. The cabinet reshuffle is expected to involve both additions and removals, and their inclusion is believed to help the party maintain internal stability.
During the discussion on demands for grants on Sunday, March 29, Rajgopal Reddy accused his own government of discriminatory fund allocation. He alleged that development works and bill clearances were prioritised for constituencies of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other ministers, while Munugode faced delays. He highlighted the suspension of works on the Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme, citing contractor complaints about delayed payments, and raised concerns over the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, urging timely fund release for the Udayasamudram project.
On Monday, March 30, Congress MLC Vijayashanthi questioned the government over unfulfilled promises to Telangana movement fighters, including 250 square yard house plots, government jobs for family members, and Rs 25,000 monthly pensions.
Despite more than two years having passed, these commitments remain pending, causing distress among the movement fighters, she said. Both leaders effectively put the government under pressure by criticising it in the Assembly and Council respectively.
This internal friction reflects a broader tension within the ruling bench as leaders seek to fulfill promises made to their constituents and personal political goals ahead of the scheduled cabinet reorganisation. The high command is now tasked with balancing these internal demands while maintaining the administrative focus of the state government during this critical session.
