Hyderabad, Dec 16 (NationPress) K.T. Rama Rao, the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), on Tuesday accused the Congress party legislators of exhibiting arrogance and high-handedness.

He emphasized that the funds allocated for Gram Panchayats and welfare initiatives, such as Indiramma Houses, are public resources, not the personal assets of Congress leaders.

During a felicitation event for newly elected Sarpanches, Upa-Sarpanches, and Ward Members from Khanapur and Shadnagar constituencies at Telangana Bhavan, KTR encouraged local representatives to be resolute against any political intimidation.

KTR took a strong stance against the threats made by Congress MLAs, asserting, "We are observing a troubling trend where MLAs are issuing threats to both the electorate and elected officials. It should be understood: Indiramma Houses and development funds are not personal inheritances or 'Jagir' of these leaders. They are merely custodians of public funds. The responsibility to select beneficiaries rests with the Gram Sabhas and Sarpanches, as outlined in the Constitution."

KTR further ridiculed the financial situation of the Congress government, pointing out that multiple MLAs are allegedly appealing to the World Bank or seeking funds through public platforms. "When the MLAs themselves are in financial distress, their proclamations of 'granting' money to villages ring hollow. Leaders need to realize they are dealing with taxpayers' money, not their private wealth," he asserted.

KTR stressed that under the five-tier governance framework proposed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Gram Panchayats have both administrative and financial independence. He accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of betraying the Backward Classes (BC) by reducing their local body reservations from 24% to 17% hastily to expedite elections.

"The rush to hold these elections was merely to secure Rs 3,500 crore from the Central Finance Commission. Legally, 70% of these funds must be allocated directly to the Gram Panchayats. No MLA or Chief Minister has the authority to hinder this distribution," KTR stated.

He announced that the BRS plans to establish Legal Cells in every district and conduct Training Workshops to inform Sarpanches about their constitutional rights and responsibilities.

KTR lamented that villages have become "orphaned" under Congress, contrasting the current scenario with the BRS regime. He pointed out that even basic maintenance funds for village equipment and nurseries—developments initiated during KCR’s leadership—are being withheld.

Addressing agrarian distress, KTR remarked, "Under the KCR administration, farmers were provided with Rythu Bandhu and fertilizers delivered to their homes. Today, farmers are compelled to engage in 'street wars' for a bag of Urea. To conceal the embarrassing reality of long queues and 'slipper lines' damaging the government's image, the CM has introduced the 'Urea App' gimmick. An app cannot rectify the shortage of actual stock in stores."

KTR predicted a political shift, telling the Sarpanches, "You have a five-year mandate. While the Congress government may last another two to two-and-a-half years, the BRS will return to power. You will serve the latter half of your term under KCR’s leadership, during which we will restore the momentum of rural development."

He also criticized the Chief Minister for personally campaigning in local elections, labeling it a sign of insecurity and fear of defeat.