Hyderabad: Former Minister and Siddipet MLA, Harish Rao, along with Sabitha Indra Reddy and Kukatpally MLA Krishna Rao, visited Gandhi Hospital’s mortuary to pay respects to Buchamma, who tragically ended her life due to alleged harassment by Hyderabad Metro Development Authority (HYDRA) officials. Harish Rao, in a strongly worded statement, accused the Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, of pushing the poor and middle-class residents to desperation, leading to multiple suicides.
Harish Rao’s Statement:
“Buchamma’s death is not a suicide; it’s a murder committed by the Revanth Reddy government,” Harish Rao asserted. “This is the third suicide that has taken place under the guise of HYDRA’s so-called development. How many more lives will you take, Revanth Reddy?”
Harish Rao pointed out that Buchamma, a resident of Nallacheruvu Buffer Zone in Kukatpally constituency, could not bear the constant harassment by HYDRA officials, fearing her home would be demolished without notice. “Instead of supporting people, this government is forcing them to take their lives,” he added.
Also Read-
Addressing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directly, Harish Rao demanded, “Why are you demolishing homes instead of supporting people? In Hyderabad, learn to build and not destroy. Hold an all-party meeting immediately and seek everyone’s opinion before proceeding with this demolition spree. For whom is this HYDRA project really intended? Whose interests are being served?”
Harish Rao highlighted that many of these homes had been legally built, with permissions granted during previous Congress and Telugu Desam governments. “For over 30 years, these residents have lived in their homes. Who gave Revanth Reddy the authority to demolish them overnight?” he questioned.
He further explained that according to the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, compensation must be provided when people are displaced, and a new house should be constructed for them, along with ₹5 lakhs as sustenance allowance. “The Congress itself introduced this act, yet now, under Revanth Reddy’s government, these rules are being ignored,” Rao stated.
“People are losing their jobs, homes, and are being pushed onto the streets. The government has failed to provide any clarity on compensation, and yet they proceed to demolish. How can a government that is meant to help the people cause such devastation?” he demanded.
Harish Rao urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to reconsider his actions and hold an all-party meeting to take a consensus on the project. “Revanth Reddy, you need to change your ways. The poor and marginalized need your support, not your bulldozers. Is this how you intend to govern—by bringing tears to the eyes of the poor?”
He also called on the Chief Minister to act justly, “Will you help the people as the Chief Minister, or will you continue to inflict pain on the poor? The BRS party will not stand idle. We will support the victims in every way possible.”
Harish Rao assured the affected families that the BRS party would stand by them, urging them not to resort to extreme measures. “Don’t lose hope. You have us. Don’t give in to despair. Live, fight, and achieve justice. We must all strive to support one another and ensure that no family is left to suffer alone.”
Harish Rao Challenges Congress Over Musi Demolitions, Pledges Support to Affected Families
Hyderabad: In a strong show of solidarity, former Minister and Siddipet MLA, Harish Rao, has pledged his unwavering support to the victims of the Musi Beautification Project, who are now facing the threat of losing their homes. Speaking at Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao assured the affected families that the BRS party would stand by them in this challenging time, taking aim at TPCC President Revanth Reddy’s stance and calling on Rahul Gandhi to intervene.
Harish Rao’s Statements:
“I feel immense sorrow hearing your stories,” Harish Rao began, addressing the crowd with empathy. “BRS MLAs will come to your area and stand by your side. Is Revanth Reddy giving his brother 45 days to respond to a notice, while bulldozers are being sent overnight to demolish the homes of the poor? Is this the justice he stands for?”
He further highlighted the plight of the victims, pointing out that many had legally purchased their lands, completed proper registrations, and built their homes through bank loans. “Back in 1993, it was the Congress government that granted permissions. Now, the very same Congress is unjustly demolishing these structures,” he noted, expressing his disbelief at the inconsistency.
He asked, Revanth Reddy, “What great work are you doing with this so-called beautification? KCR’s Mission Bhagiratha brought water to every household, truly benefiting the people. The Kaleshwaram project provided irrigation and drinking water, uplifting lakhs of farmers. But here, you are trying to bring tears and suffering to the poor and middle-class families in the name of the Musi project.”
Harish Rao also directed a strong message to Rahul Gandhi, urging him to intervene in what he termed a ‘bulldozer regime’ in Telangana. “Rahul Gandhi, before delivering your bulldozer speeches across the country, stop this bulldozer rule in Telangana. Listen to the voices of the people here before preaching elsewhere.”
He called on Revanth Reddy to hold an all-party meeting and take everyone’s opinions into account before proceeding with the Musi project. “Fulfill the promises you made during the elections first. Don’t indulge in theatrics under the guise of ‘beautification,’” he added sharply.
BRS’s Stand and Assurance:
1. A dedicated team of BRS lawyers will be stationed round-the-clock at Telangana Bhavan to assist the victims. This move underscores the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of those affected.
2. BRS MLAs will actively work to support and protect the families facing demolition, ensuring that justice prevails.
3. The BRS promises to be a protective shield for all those affected, providing them with the assurance that their voices will be heard.The government initially claimed there were 10,000 illegal structures but is now preparing to demolish 25,000 houses. Harish Rao reassured the victims, “We will fight to make sure justice is served. Don’t lose hope. Whenever you need us, just call, and we will be there.”
Victims Voice Their Anguish:
The affected families shared their heartbreaking stories with Harish Rao. One distressed victim revealed, “We spent every rupee we earned to build our home. Now, seeing it being demolished is something we simply cannot endure. We are terrified, and we don’t know whom to turn to.”
Another victim tearfully added, “We borrowed lakhs from banks to construct our homes. Now, they are being demolished, and we fear our children will end up on the streets. We live in constant fear of what might happen tomorrow.”
Harish Rao, visibly moved, reassured them, stating, “The government cannot betray its people. Development should not come at the cost of innocent lives.”
