Former CM KCR has left a lasting impact through landmark schemes and projects like the Kaleshwaram Project, 24-hour free electricity, Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, Mission Kakatiya, and Mission Bhagiratha, to name a few. In contrast, the Congress government, which will complete its first year in office by December 7, has faced criticism for failing to implement its key promises.
Compounding the issue, controversies like the Musi beautification project and HYDRAA demolitions and encroachment on tribal lands in Lagacharla have further dented the Congress’s credibility. Despite this, the Congress has decided to celebrate its one-year rule and Sonia Gandhi’s birthday (December 9) with grandeur.
However, party insiders reveal uncertainty about what achievements to showcase. Reports suggest the leadership has directed the preparation of a progress report detailing development and welfare initiatives, but with the majority of promises unfulfilled, this exercise appears challenging.
The Congress’s ambitious manifesto, including guarantees such as a job calendar, loan waivers, Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Indlu, Mahalaxmi, Cheyutha, unemployment allowances, and student education cards, remains largely unimplemented. While the Mahalaxmi scheme and free RTC bus travel for women have been initiated, the lack of progress on the Rs. 2,500 monthly allowance for women has drawn ire.
Farmers, too, have been left in the lurch, with no clarity on the promised Rs. 15,000 per acre for farmers and tenant farmers or Rs. 12,000 for agricultural laborers. Housing schemes under Indiramma, which promised 4.5 lakh houses statewide, also appear stalled. Similar delays are evident in pension hikes, job creation, and infrastructure development.
The Congress government has faced criticism for borrowing heavily without corresponding welfare spending. Reports suggest that loans amounting to Rs. 87,000 crore were taken in the first 11 months, yet no significant schemes have been executed. It is reported that much of the borrowed money was used to clear contractor bills linked to party loyalists rather than benefiting the public.
Congress leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of direction from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). With a lack of decisive leadership and bureaucratic coordination, many MLAs claim that governance has faltered. Frequent trips by the Chief Minister between Hyderabad and Delhi—28 visits in a year—have further fueled criticism, with detractors accusing him of neglecting state administration.
Initially planned as a two-week celebration, the anniversary events have reportedly been scaled back to a single week due to complaints from party MLAs and MLCs. Leaders remain apprehensive about facing public criticism during these programs, with some admitting they have no concrete agenda to present.