Grok 3’s Budget Verdict: AI Chatbot rates Telangana’s 2025-26 Budget

Hyderabad, March 19, 2025: Artificial intelligence is now more than just a helpful tool; it influences public opinion in politics and finance. Grok 3, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, 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 Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarkha. The AI gave it a rating of 6.5 out of 10, sparking discussions in political and economic circles.

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 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.

However, 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.

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.

Criticism has come from opposition leaders and sceptics about the budget. Leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), including former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, 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. Others point out ongoing power cuts despite the state allocating Rs 21,221 crore for energy. There are also concerns about the lack of immediate debt relief since nearly 52% of the budget goes to salaries, pensions, and interest payments, which total Rs 13,000 crore monthly.

Public opinions in Telangana are mixed, showing the state’s political tensions. Supporters of Congress are optimistic after their recent election win. They view the budget as a promise kept, pointing to programs like Gruha Jyothi, which helps over 50 lakh households living below the poverty line. Neutral observers acknowledge that the budget size of Rs 3.04 lakh crore—an increase from Rs 2.93 lakh crore last year—indicates positive intentions. However, they are still worried about potential revenue shortages. Urban professionals are excited about investments in AI City and the growth of smaller cities like Warangal, Nizamabad, and Khammam. In contrast, rural residents are cautious and want to see actual results from the planned projects.
As debates continue in the Assembly and more expert opinions emerge, views on the budget will likely change. The discussion balances those hopeful for welfare and growth and those concerned about financial risks and follow-through. Whether the budget is seen as a forward-thinking move or an overly risky plan varies by perspective. One thing is clear—Grok 3 has assessed the budget and intensified the national discussion on how AI can influence political and economic analysis in real-time.