Chief Minister Revanth Reddy came down heavily on the growing menace of online betting and declared that his government would not allow Telangana to become a hub for such addictions.
Addressing the Assembly on Wednesday during the ongoing Budget Session, he announced the formation of a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to probe online rummy, digital betting platforms and other gambling websites.
He said the government will decide soon on appointing a SIT or ordering a CB CID probe on betting apps.
“Betting frauds cannot be rooted out just by state-level probes. Neighbouring states and even countries should seriously investigate these networks,” he said.
He said the government is prepared to amend laws if necessary to ensure strict punishment. “Telangana is not the place for betting addiction. Anyone promoting or managing these apps directly or indirectly will face strong action,” he warned.
Hitting out at the opposition for alleging a law and order breakdown, the Chief Minister defended the police, stating they were alert and proactive.
He pointed out that the BRS government remained silent when a lawyer couple was murdered in broad daylight and when a veterinary doctor was brutally raped.
“In 2020, Telangana ranked fourth in the country in rapes. Now, we believe in standing by the victims and being ruthless towards culprits,” he said.
Revanth accused the opposition of trying to sabotage Telangana’s image and development through what he described as “acid attacks on growth.”
He said the opposition is conspiring to bankrupt the state and discourage investments. “They are behaving as if they can’t breathe without power. How does this help Telangana?” he asked.
Countering allegations of presenting an unrealistic budget, Revanth said, “We have introduced a reality budget, not an illusion. We will implement 95 per cent of its proposals.”
On land acquisition issues, the Chief Minister blamed the opposition for blocking development projects. He cited the case of Billy Rao’s land in Gachibowli, allotted 25 years ago. “Land sharks have grabbed it. We plan to auction it to international organisations, but the opposition is blocking it,” he said.
He asked BRS MLA Harish Rao directly whether the Regional Ring Road, radial roads and Future City should be built or not. “Why were canals laid from Kondapochamma Sagar to farmhouses? Is it wrong to try to develop Telangana?” he asked, calling for constructive feedback on compensation for land acquisition.
