In a democracy, political criticism and allegations between ruling and opposition parties are natural. However, such criticism should contribute to resolving public problems rather than becoming a platform for personal vendettas, political retaliation and mutual abuse. Unfortunately, this trend is increasingly evident in Telangana politics. Leaders of the Congress and the BRS are constantly engaged in attacking each other. The ruling party keeps highlighting the alleged corruption of the previous regime, while the Opposition points to the failures of the present government. But what do ordinary people gain from this political battle?

The Congress came to power in the 2023 Assembly elections on the strength of several populist promises. Under its six guarantees, it promised a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 to women, LPG cylinders at ₹500, free bus travel for women, investment support of ₹15,000 per acre to farmers, ₹12,000 annually to agricultural labourers, farm loan waivers, free electricity up to 200 units for poor households, Indiramma houses, employment opportunities for the youth and financial assistance to students, among other benefits. As the government approaches three years in office, it must explain how far each of these promises has been fulfilled. How many beneficiaries have received the benefits? How many eligible people are still waiting? How much has been allocated and how much has actually been spent? The government must place comprehensive details before the public, supported by official statistics and scheme-wise progress reports, rather than relying on announcements and publicity.

The responsibility of the Opposition, particularly the BRS, is equally important. Merely accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfil its promises is not enough. The Opposition must establish, with evidence and figures, how many eligible beneficiaries have been denied benefits, where funds have not been allocated, where corruption has occurred and where administrative failures have taken place. Such issues must be raised both in the Assembly and before the people. Political allegations without supporting evidence serve little purpose.

Similarly, the Congress's criticism of the previous decade of BRS rule must also be based on specific evidence. On issues such as the Kaleshwaram project, power purchases, Dharani and government land transactions, the government must move beyond political statements made in the name of investigations. It should disclose inquiry reports, audit objections, legal developments and the action taken against those found responsible. Treating everyone facing allegations as guilty goes against the principles of natural justice. Anyone found guilty must face the law, irrespective of political affiliation.

Meanwhile, media channels and social media groups aligned with the two parties are further degrading the political discourse. Instead of examining facts, they increasingly focus on defamatory reports, personal attacks, misinformation, edited videos and mutual mudslinging. Serious public concerns such as unemployment, farmers' distress, the poor condition of government hospitals, shortcomings in education, rising prices, roads and drinking water are pushed into the background. It is unhealthy for democracy when media platforms, which are expected to inform the public, become instruments of political propaganda.

The two parties must recognise that allegations of corruption, abuse of power and broken promises during both Congress and BRS regimes have seriously eroded public confidence in the political system. In the eyes of the people of Telangana, both the BRS and the Congress governments are tainted by allegations of corruption. On this count, both are equally culpable. The people have little doubt about this. However, such mutual accusations should not be treated as established verdicts. It is the responsibility of the present Congress government to ensure that they are examined through impartial investigations.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy should view criticism from the Opposition not as political hostility but as an opportunity to improve governance. The BRS, under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao, must also move beyond merely defending its previous administration and play the role of a constructive Opposition. The Assembly should discuss white papers on every major scheme, annual performance reports and independent audit findings. A transparent mechanism must be established to monitor the implementation of electoral promises.

Political leaders must remember one fundamental truth: power is not permanent; the people are the ultimate arbiters. Public confidence cannot be won through personal attacks or media campaigns. Credibility can be built only through the fulfilment of promises, transparent governance, impartial action against corruption and the resolution of public grievances. The people of Telangana do not need daily headlines about who abused whom. They want answers about how their lives have improved. Political parties must put an end to mutual mudslinging and focus on public welfare. Democracy requires political competition, but it also demands responsible cooperation on issues concerning the larger public interest.