Gadwal: In Ayija town, BJP leaders have criticized the Telangana state government for delaying local body elections. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy‘s administration is under fire for not scheduling these elections.
At a press conference in Ayija, town BJP president Kampati Bhagat Reddy accused the state of avoiding elections due to fear of public opinion. He pointed out that the election schedule was supposed to be announced in February, but nothing has happened.
Bhagat Reddy warned that delaying elections could stop central government funds. He highlighted the importance of Panchayati Raj institutions in India’s democracy. These bodies, established by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, are meant to promote local governance and accountability. Yet, he claimed, the state bypasses elected bodies, using non-representative institutions instead.
He argued these parallel institutions don’t meet local needs. Strengthening Panchayats could ease financial strain on the state and support sustainable development.
Bhagat Reddy accused the government of undermining Panchayats’ financial and administrative independence to maintain control, hurting transparency and local governance.
He also suggested the administration avoids elections due to public dissatisfaction and internal party issues. Problems include unfulfilled election promises, reluctance to fund projects, lack of ministerial coordination, and dissatisfaction among MLAs. The absence of constituency development funds makes it hard for MLAs to face voters.
He noted that over a year and a half after local representatives’ terms ended, the government hasn’t clarified when elections will happen.
Other BJP leaders like SC Morcha State Executive Committee member Madanna, and town vice presidents Bellamkonda Nagaraju and Veeresh Goud, along with Lakshmanachari, G. Raghu, Madhavachari, and Raju were at the press meet. They demanded that the state respect the Constitution, empower local governments, and announce the election schedule for Panchayat and municipal bodies immediately.
