The ongoing loan waiver process in Telangana has sparked a heated exchange between political parties. The Congress party claims that, in line with their electoral promises, they have provided a loan waiver of up to ₹2 lakhs per borrower by August 15. However, the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) alleges that not all farmers have benefited from the waiver, questioning the extent and effectiveness of the program.
Congress leaders are demanding the resignation of Harish Rao, asserting that the loan waiver has been fully implemented. In response, former Minister Harish Rao has challenged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to a debate on the issue. Harish Rao has invited Revanth Reddy to specify a date and place for the discussion and has urged for a public debate on the loan waiver in the presence of farmers. He stated that he is willing to accept any outcome if it proves that full loan waivers have been achieved.
Harish Rao also questioned the veracity of Revanth Reddy’s earlier commitment to retire from politics if defeated in Kodangal. He demanded clarification on whether Revanth Reddy had honored his pledge. Emphasizing the history of resigning from positions for the state’s benefit, Rao reiterated his own commitment to resign if a complete loan waiver was implemented, asserting that his priority was the welfare of farmers over holding a position.
Harish Rao criticized Revanth Reddy for discrepancies in loan waiver figures, alleging that Revanth Reddy claimed ₹18,000 crores in waivers while stating the total amount was ₹31,000 crores. Rao accused the current administration of failing to provide waivers to 54% of farmers and challenged Revanth Reddy’s claims about the loan waiver’s reach. He noted that ₹17,000 crores were reportedly used to waive loans for 27 lakh farmers, while 47 lakh farmers were considered eligible according to Cabinet statements.