SNCN ACHARYULU
Hyderabad
Bharat Rashtra Samiti(BRS) president and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is set to announce a slew of sops to take the wind out of the sails of opposition parties. The additional sops, mainly extensions of existing schemes, would help create a “feel good” atmosphere before the Assembly and General elections, thus helping BRS carry all sections of society. The Chief Minister has already taken key decisions in this direction, with several more in the pipeline.
The main opposition parties, the Congress, and the BharatiyaJanata Party,have made several announcements to attract various sections of people ahead of the Assembly elections. KCR wants to prevent opposition parties from luring voters with their announcements. Moreover, the opposition can only make announcements. The ruling party has the distinct advantage of implementing whatever decision it takes as proof of concept. The BRS is doing the same now.
The Congress has announced that it will hike Aasara pensions from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 if the grand old party is voted to power. Proactively, the Chief Minister has taken a decision to hike the pension from Rs 3,116 to Rs 4,116 for the disabled under the Aasara scheme. Besides, the Chief Minister is reportedly thinking of hiking pensions for all other beneficiaries also under the Aasara scheme. BRS leaders think that if the Chief Minister announces this, the Congress’ promise of hiking pensions may not click.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM)appears to be cut up with the BRS government over certain issues. Statements of AIMIM of late indicate the widening gulf between it and the BRS. In Telangana, Muslim voters play a key role in deciding victory in many of the Assembly constituencies. The BRS wants to attract Muslim voters, regardless of their relations with AIMIM.
The BRS government is planning to announce a special scheme like the Dalit Bandhu and Girijana Bandhu for Muslims. Under this scheme, eligible Muslim families will be given Rs 1 lakh as assistance. Finance Minister T. Harish Rao has already outlined the scheme.
Another important group is government employees. Their support is a major factor for political parties. The Chief Minister is considering the constitution of a second Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for state government employees to make them happy. The state government is also planning to increase the number of beneficiaries of all welfare schemes.On the political front also, the Chief Minister is trying to make BRS cadre and leaders feel good. Recently, the Chief Minister gave some nominated posts to BRS leaders. In the coming days, the Chief Minister is likely to appoint some more BRS leaders to nominated posts.
The Chairman of the Telangana State Warehousing Corporation noted Telangana movement singer Saichand died recently.
The BRS government appointed Saichand’s wife Rajani as the chairperson of the State Warehousing Corporation.
