Rama Krishna Sangem
Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented his budget for 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly on March 19, Wednesday. Are you interested in knowing the rating the given to it by AI Chatbot, Grok3, of Elon Musk? It’s 6.5, 0ut of 10.
Artificial intelligence is now more than just a helpful tool; it influences public opinion in politics and finance. Grok 3 has attracted attention in India by providing real-time evaluations of important policy decisions. Today, it examined the Telangana state budget for 2025-26 presented by the Dy CM who also looks after Finance portfolio.
The AI gave it a rating of 6.5 out of 10, sparking discussions in political and economic circles, according to a story filed by Dinesh Akula in his #HastagU news website.
The Telangana government has a bold financial plan, with a budget of Rs 3,04,965 crore, to grow the state’s $200 billion economy into a $1 trillion economy within ten years. The plan includes significant agriculture, education, rural development, healthcare, and energy investments. These areas are key parts of the Congress government’s promises to voters. The announcement of the Mega Master Plan 2050, which focuses on industrial growth with new clusters in Ranga Reddy and Mahbubnagar, adds a forward-looking element to the financial plan.
Grok 3’s analysis recognized that the government focuses on helping people through its welfare programs. The budget allocates Rs 24,439 crore for agriculture, Rs 23,108 crore for education, and Rs 31,605 crore for rural development. Initiatives like free electricity under the Gruha Jyothi scheme and farm loan waivers show the the ruling party’s commitment to social justice. The budget also emphasizes capital expenditure of Rs 36,504 crore, which supports infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.
Concerns raised
Grok 3 raised serious concerns about Telangana’s financial state. The state’s debt has grown to Rs 6.71 lakh crore, with an additional Rs 1.60 lakh crore added in the past year. Over 52% of the budget goes toward fixed costs like salaries, pensions, and debt payments, leaving little room for other spending.
The analysis noted that Telangana has a history of not meeting its revenue goals, often missing by as much as 21%. If this trend continues, the government may struggle to maintain its planned spending. Furthermore, while the government has announced large projects like industrial clusters and the Musi Riverfront, delays in starting these projects raise questions about their feasibility. The lack of a clear funding plan for Telangana’s trillion-dollar dream adds to the uncertainty.
Grok 3 rating of 6.5 out of 10, which suggests some hope. The AI pointed out that if the government meets its revenue goals and carries out projects effectively, the score could increase to 8. However, if the government fails to manage its debt or deliver on its plans, the rating might drop to 5. This assessment provides a new way to review financial policies, using data and remaining free from political bias.
CM hails it historic
When asked about reactions to the budget, Grok 3 mentioned that opinions were still forming since the budget was presented just hours ago. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called it a “historic Praja budget” on social media, highlighting its focus on people, development, and governance after “a decade of darkness.” Supporters praised the budget allocations: Rs 24,439 crore for agriculture, Rs 40,232 crore for Scheduled Castes, and Rs 3,527 crore for industries, which includes a proposed AI City project with Google. Many on social media called it a “game-changer,” especially appreciating practical initiatives like the Rs 20,616 crore farm loan waiver for 25.35 lakh farmers and Rs 2,351 crore savings from free bus travel for women.
The vision for a trillion-dollar economy has also captured the interest of urban professionals and business leaders, who see it as a chance for growth in industries and IT, said Dinesh in @HastagU.
Criticism has come from opposition leaders and skeptics about the budget. Leaders from BRS, including former CM KCR, are expected to challenge it. They may call it a “rehash” of old policies and question how the state can handle such a large budget given its growing debt. Supporters of the BRS on social media have accused the Congress of renaming existing programs, such as changing Rythu Bandhu to Rythu Bharosa, and have raised doubts about the revenue estimates, citing Telangana’s history of missing financial targets.
