Gram Sabhas Across Telangana End on a Sour Note
Hyderabad.24.01.2025: Gram sabhas held across Telangana ended on a disappointing note as villagers, especially women, expressed anger at the Congress government for excluding eligible people from welfare scheme beneficiary lists. They alleged that ineligible individuals, particularly those linked to the Congress party, were unfairly included.
Tensions flared in several places. At Mogilipenta village in Mallapur mandal, Jagtial, former sarpanch Nagaraju attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on himself, protesting the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries. Police quickly intervened and shifted him to safety.
In Ramalakshmipuram village, Kodad mandal, Suryapet district, angry residents damaged tents and the stage after finding that ineligible people were added to the lists for ration cards and housing schemes under Indiramma Indlu. Heated arguments broke out between villagers and officials.
At Ashwaraopeta mandal, Khammam, Congress leaders clashed with officials. A viral video shows Congress leader Satyanarayana Chowdary questioning officials on how lists were finalized from Hyderabad, stating, “We are ashamed to call ourselves Congress workers. Transparency is needed.”
Similar protests occurred at Jaidupally village in Vikarabad constituency, where women confronted officials and Congress leaders over unfulfilled promises. They demanded updates on the Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance for women, partial implementation of the Rs 500 gas cylinder scheme, and delays in the crop loan waiver.
The gram sabhas, which began on January 21 and ended on January 24, aimed to identify beneficiaries for four schemes — Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa, ration cards, and Indiramma Indlu. However, in most cases, officials and Congress leaders faced strong criticism from residents over the lack of transparency in the selection process.
