During a meeting with families at risk of displacement who gathered in large numbers at Telangana Bhavan, Rao expressed his party’s full support for those affected by the demolitions. He assured that the BRS would provide free legal aid to these families and would challenge their displacement in court. Additionally, he stated that the party’s legal cell would be available to assist them around the clock.
Hyderabad: Declaring an all-out war against the Congress government’s demolition drive launched in Hyderabad city as part of the Musi riverfront beautification project, BRS leader and former Minister T Harish Rao on Saturday warned that the “bulldozer justice” would only result in tarnishing the image of an emerging global city, known for its opportunities and welcoming nature for people from all corners of India.
Interacting with families facing the risk of displacement that thronged the Telangana Bhavan in large numbers, Rao pledged total solidarity on behalf of his party to those affected by the demolitions. He assured that the BRS would extend free legal aid to all such families and challenge their displacement in the court of law. The service of the party legal cell would be made available to them round the clock.
Rao expressed deep concern for families facing the imminent threat of losing their homes, which represent their lifetime earnings and fortunes. The ill-advised moves of the government which had left thousands of families on the edge would not augur well for the State. He urged the government to reconsider its approach and prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
Appeal to Rahul Gandhi
He called for a more humane and inclusive strategy that balances urban development with the rights and livelihoods of the affected families. Rao stressed that the beautification project should not come at the cost of displacing residents and disrupting their lives. The BRS leader made a fervent appeal to the Congress party’s central leadership by drawing the attention of Rahul Gandhi, who has previously spoken out against similar “bulldozer justice” in northern states, with a demand to take serious note of the situation in Telangana under his party’s rule.
Rao demanded that Rahul Gandhi intervene to halt the state government’s demolition activities led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. He urged the Congress government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Musi project and the fate of over 25,000 families affected by it before proceeding further.
BRS delegation to visit Musi localities
Rao assured the families, who are in a state of panic due to the looming threat of demolition, that a delegation of BRS MLAs would visit on Sunday the houses, colonies, and localities marked for demolition. He emphasized that the BRS legal team would provide round-the-clock support to these families from Telangana Bhavan.
Rao criticized the government for demolishing homes without serving any notices, contrasting this with the extended time of 45 days given to the Chief Minister’s brother for demolition of a house owned by him in the buffer zone of a tank in the city. He highlighted the tragic cases of Buchavva, a woman who committed suicide after her house was demolished, and another woman who died of a heart attack due to the stress caused by the demolition drive. Rao labelled these deaths as “murders” committed by the Revanth Reddy government.
Rao’s statements underscore the need for a compassionate approach to urban development that does not disrupt the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. He warned the government against unleashing its disruptive potential, which could wreak havoc on the lives of vulnerable citizens. Sabita Indra Reddy, MLA and former minister, also took part.
