National leap: brs public meeting rages against bjp as kcr platforms dissent

WELFARE TAKES CENTRE STAGE The BRS meeting was symbolically held after the second phase of _Kanti Velugu_, an eye screening programme which will benefit approximately 1.5 crore people of

Telangana, was inaugurated. Under the scheme, 55 lakh spectacles and prescription drugs are expected to be distributed by the state government. Speaking at the event, Arvind Kejriwal said,

“We (parties present at the meeting) should not fight among ourselves. We should learn from one another.” Meaning, some of the political parties may have decided to collaborate, at least

nominally, on the development front in their respective states. As he spoke, KCR took the welfare promise to the national level. “The country has valuable natural resources including water

and land.” He said his welfare measures, including 24X7 power and irrigation to farmers and industries, will come to benefit people across India. He lashed out against the “_revdi _culture”

remark made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to belittle welfare measures a “freebies.” The public meeting, in a way, sounded like a short manifesto of the BRS, with the CM even promising to

repeal the controversial _Agnipath_ defence recruitment scheme, opposed by several aspiring soldiers. KCR promised, Dalit Bandhu scheme, which gives financial aid to economically backward

families of Scheduled Caste persons, will be implemented across India.