The Hindi proverb "Na ghar ke na ghat ke" seems to perfectly encapsulate the situation in Telangana after the recent central budget. The lack of meaningful allocations for the state mirrors the fears repeatedly voiced by Telangana Movement leader, BRS leader, and former CM Kcr, who has long advocated for Telangana's political autonomy.
Kcr's foresight regarding a coalition government at the Centre after the Parliament elections was spot-on. However, the BRS's failure to secure a substantial number of MP seats has left Telangana at the mercy of a central government seemingly indifferent to its needs. The budget's blatant disregard for Telangana's interests only strengthens Kcr's argument that the state needs a stronger voice in Delhi to safeguard its future.
Kcr had previously urged the BRS to aim for 10-12 MP seats to effectively represent Telangana in the upcoming coalition government. This call for greater representation in the Lok Sabha was met with the stark reality of the recent budget, highlighting the consequences of a weak parliamentary voice.
While the BJP government's survival hinges on the support of parties like the TDP in Andhra Pradesh and JDU in Bihar, this dependence has translated into substantial budgetary allocations for these states. Andhra Pradesh is poised to receive a hefty Rs. 15,000 crore for the construction of Amaravati, along with significant funds for the Polavaram project and other developmental schemes. Similarly, Bihar is set to benefit from a Rs. 26,000 crore project and numerous other packages.
This stark contrast in treatment between Telangana and these other states raises several pertinent questions. During the TDP's rule in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, the then-speaker, Yanamala Ramakrishna, had prohibited the mention of "Telangana" in the assembly. Now, the NDA government, which relies heavily on the TDP's support, has seemingly followed suit by omitting any mention of Telangana in its budget speech. This apparent similarity in approach has fueled suspicion and debate within political circles and Telangana society.
Despite having eight MPs and two Union Ministers representing Telangana in the central government, their silence on the lack of promised development for the state has only exacerbated the feeling of neglect. The division of eight MP seats between BJP and Congress has yielded no tangible benefits for Telangana, leaving the state's representatives effectively toothless.
The Congress government in Telangana, unable to demand more from the Center, finds itself in a precarious position. Political observers are even suggesting that the party's recent, overly accommodating approach towards the Prime Minister may have further weakened its bargaining power.
In conclusion, the central budget's exclusion of Telangana raises serious concerns about the state's future. The glaring disparity in allocations between Telangana and other states supported by the BJP government is a stark reminder of the perils of lacking a strong voice at the national level. The need for Telangana to secure greater representation in Parliament is now more evident than ever, as it is crucial for the state to protect its interests and secure its rightful place in the nation's development narrative.