Jupally Reiterates His Stand on State Debt Figures
Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has once again strongly defended the debt figures he previously presented regarding the state’s finances. He said he continues to stand firmly by the numbers he disclosed and challenged Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders to respond with facts instead of personal criticism.
The minister said that rather than BRS leaders K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and T. Harish Rao responding to the issue, former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) should personally address the people and explain the state’s debt situation.
Jupally also stated that he has always valued self-respect in politics and recalled that he had even resigned from a government job in the past when required.
“I Entered Politics to Serve People, Not Make Baseless Allegations”
The minister said he did not enter politics to level reckless allegations against political opponents but to serve the people.
He claimed that while he has always addressed his opponents respectfully, they have resorted to personal attacks instead of engaging in a factual discussion.
Jupally challenged KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao to participate in an open public debate at Somajiguda on the issue of Telangana’s debt. He declared that if his figures are proven wrong, he would immediately resign from his ministerial position.
At the same time, he asked the BRS leaders to clarify what action they would take if their own claims were found to be incorrect.
Challenge Over Telangana Debt Figures
During his remarks, Jupally said the debate would reveal whether “Palamuru’s pride or Kalvakuntla’s pride” ultimately stands vindicated before the people.
He rejected allegations made against him, including claims that he had “run away” from the debate or lacked courage, calling such remarks baseless.
According to the minister, political leaders should answer substantive questions rather than resorting to personal criticism.
Jupally Questions Contradictory Statements by BRS Leaders
Jupally accused KTR and Harish Rao of presenting different debt figures on different occasions.
According to the minister:
- KTR reportedly stated in the Assembly on one occasion that Telangana’s debt stood at ₹3.17 lakh crore, while later referring to it as ₹3.85 lakh crore.
- Harish Rao allegedly cited the state’s debt as ₹4.26 lakh crore on one occasion and ₹4.17 lakh crore on another.
Jupally questioned how different figures could be presented on the same issue and demanded that the BRS leadership explain these discrepancies to the public.
Minister Says State Debt Stands at ₹8.21 Lakh Crore
Jupally reiterated that he continues to stand by his own estimate that Telangana’s total debt amounts to ₹8.21 lakh crore.
He alleged that large borrowings had been raised through various government corporations and questioned why the state treasury was ultimately responsible for servicing those debts.
The minister also criticized KCR for not attending Assembly sessions and urged the former Chief Minister to at least hold a press conference to explain the issue before the public.
Public Debate Offer Remains Open
Jupally said he remains ready even today for a public debate at Somajiguda.
He repeated his promise that if his debt calculations are proven wrong, he would immediately resign.
However, he also challenged BRS leaders to announce in advance what responsibility they would accept if they failed to substantiate their own claims. He even questioned whether they had the courage to make equally strong commitments regarding their party if their arguments were disproved.
“My Political Record Speaks for Itself”
The minister recalled that he had resigned in the past because of his commitment to self-respect.
He claimed that following his resignation, the BRS secured seven Assembly seats in the Palamuru region.
Jupally urged KTR and Harish Rao to understand his political background before making personal remarks and advised them to reflect on their own conduct before questioning his integrity.
Open Letter Sent to KTR
Jupally Krishna Rao revealed that he had sent an open letter explaining his arguments and debt calculations to KTR through WhatsApp.
He expressed confidence that if a public debate is held before the people, the facts regarding Telangana’s debt would become clear.
The ongoing exchange has added fresh momentum to the political confrontation between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BRS over the state’s financial management and debt burden.
