Show Me The Money, People Ask Congress, BJP

The recently released GHMC election manifestos of the Congress and the BJP have become the subject of intense discussion in the political and social circles of the city now-a-days.

Many have expressed their surprise at the promises made by the two parties as some of the promises addressed problems beyond the domain of the GHMC, while others were projects that required substantial funding.

People also felt that while the TRS could afford to make promises involving huge expenses as it was Telangana's ruling party, this was not the case with either the Congress or the BJP.?

The Congress, for instance, is not in power either at the state or the national level, and hence cannot possibly source the money needed to implement the promises it has made in its manifesto.

Addressing the issue, TPCC President Uttam Kumar Reddy argued that since a large amount of capital was flowing into the state exchequer from the GHMC,?it was only fair that commensurate funds be given to the civic body as well. However, this is not a practicable suggestion,?as sectors including agriculture,?power,?health and education need monetary support much more.

The BJP, on the other hand, is in power at the Centre. Yet, as many rightly pointed out, one could hardly expect the union government to release the massive funds required by the party to fulfil its promises as this would amount to privileging a single civic body, the GHMC, over similar bodies in other states.

People also pointed out that considering allegations that the union government was quite parimonious in providing funds to the state government over the last six years, including most recently in extending aid in the wake of the floods that devastated Hyderabad last month, it was futile to assume that it would release funds just to help the local BJP unit keep its word.

Political parties might feel that the people are gullible and can be easily won over by making tall promises, but not all the people are perhaps that ignorant.