MP DK Aruna highlights role of Central funds in village development

During a visit to Narayanapet district, MP DK Aruna addressed a press meet at the residence of Ratang Pandu Reddy on Friday, raising concerns about the influence of money in local panchayat elections.

Speaking on the first phase of the sarpanch elections, Aruna urged voters to elect leaders genuinely committed to village development in the upcoming second phase of elections scheduled for December 14. She expressed worry over the strong role that money plays in determining election outcomes, cautioning that leaders who win through cash influence may not prioritize development work.

Aruna criticized past governments, including the Congress and BRS, for providing little to no funds to panchayats and failing to settle pending bills for completed works. She noted that promises made during previous regimes, including those by the current Chief Minister when he was PCC Chief, to clear pending bills for sarpanches were not fulfilled.

Highlighting the role of the central government, Aruna said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has been providing significant funds for village development, which are being used for projects like cement roads, school construction, and other infrastructure. She expressed concern that some of these funds are being diverted, and emphasized that direct deposits into sarpanch accounts are being implemented to prevent such misuse.

Aruna added that many villages in Narayanapet still lack proper roads, though proposals for construction are now being approved. She mentioned that 60% of school construction costs are funded by the central government, though delays in execution remain an issue.

She encouraged people to support BJP-backed candidates, promising Rs. 10 lakh in development funds for every village through MP funds. Aruna also warned voters not to be swayed by Congress claims that schemes like Indiramma houses are funded by them, clarifying that actual construction relies on central funds. She urged citizens to reject candidates influenced by money and to support the Modi government for real village development.