Lokesh slams YSRCP for halting TDP-era projects, pledges to complete

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh has criticized the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for halting development projects initiated during the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regime and failing to continue welfare programs. He accused the YSRCP of acting with an "autocratic mentality," which he described as a threat to democracy.

Addressing the media, Lokesh alleged that after coming to power in 2019, the YSRCP refused to clear pending dues from the previous government, disrupting ongoing projects. He claimed that several development works were either stalled or deliberately destroyed, impacting public welfare.

Lokesh directly targeted former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that the former administration neglected financial responsibilities. Unlike the YSRCP, he said, the current NDA coalition governdment remains committed to settling past dues.

Highlighting the financial burden left by the YSRCP government, Lokesh revealed that the education department alone inherited Rs 4,271 crore in unpaid fee reimbursement dues. He assured that despite financial constraints, the government is committed to clearing these arrears in installments. He stated that Rs 788 crore had already been released, followed by an additional Rs 600 crore, with another Rs 400 crore to be cleared soon.

The minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to fulfilling commitments without burdening students or parents. He also emphasized that governance is continuous, urging Jagan Mohan Reddy to recognize that political power may change, but government responsibilities remain permanent.