The Telangana CM ridiculed the BJP national president's comments that the BJP would wrest power in Telangana in 2019, and challenged him to explain his "utter lies".
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao ridiculed BJP national president Amit Shah's comments that the latter's party would wrest power in Telangana in the 2019 general elections.
He also challenged Shah to clarify on his "utter lies" during the latter's last three days in the state.
"Shah should tender an apology for his false comments and dirty politics. If any of the figures I am giving to counter him are proved wrong, I will resign as Chief Minister," KCR said.
The Chief Minister said that unlike what Shah projected, Telangana was one of the richest states of India, attracted huge investments, and generated Rs 1 lakh crores in export revenues - and foreign exchange - via its software sector. Telangana was among six states contributing handsomely to the national growth, the others being Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra, he said.
He rubbished the remarks that the Centre had given Rs 90,000 crores and Rs 20,000 crores additionally to Telangana every year. "I am saying as the Chief Minister of Telangana that the state government paid Rs 50,013 crores in tax money to the Centre and received only Rs 24,561 crores as part of tax devolution just like all the other states as part of the federal system. As the president of a national party, Shah cannot utter such blatant lies," he fumed.
"The Centre is yet to release Rs 12,140 crores under CST funds and Rs 11,600 crores in CAMPA funds. And though we sought Rs 19,000 crores for Mission Bhagiratha and Rs 5,000 crores for Mission Kakatiya, the Centre did not give even 19 paisa and 5 paisa respectively for these programs. The Telangana people will not pardon the BJP and its chief for the blatant lies and coming in the way of its growth. If Shah fails to apologize before going to Delhi, it amounts to the Centre doing gross injustice to the State," KCR added.
The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had increased the monthly salaries to some extent for the Asha and Anganwadi workers of the Centre. While the Centre was giving Rs 209 crores for these schemes, the state government was spending Rs 5,000 crores.
He also slammed Shah for saying that pensions were denied to the eligible in Teratpally village when the state government was spending Rs 38,000 crores on pensions. For dalit welfare the Centre was spending Rs 52,392 crores while Telangana alone was spending Rs 14,300 crores for STs, he said.
"Then, for the last three years we have been running around the Centre for the bifurcation of the High Court but in vain. Unless the High Court is bifurcated, the division of the united State will not be complete," KCR said.
No decision was taken yet on the presidential elections, and a party meeting would decide on the TRS stand on May 27, he said.
"I respect Modi, but will fight with the Centre to achieve our federal and constitutional rights. I have seen many storms, and Shah's visit is not even a wind. The BJP will not win even a single seat if elections are held now," he said.
Several ministers, MPs, party leaders were present.