Demolishing houses to serve real estate business interests, says Ramchander Rao

Telangana state BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Sunday alleged that Congress government is indulging in demolition of houses belonging to poor people in the state. Rao visited the place at Velugumatla in Khammam district and interacted with displaced families whose houses were demolished. The Revanth Reddy government despite court orders to maintain “ status quo” has demolished houses of poor consisting of laborers and hamalis who were residing there since 2013-14, he accused.

The government action left 1800 individuals in 600 households homeless who had built their homes near Collectorate office using their hard-earned saving and by selling jewellery, he pointed out. Demolishing these structures in defiance of High Court stay orders was atrocious, Rao said adding that it is shameful to bypass legal processes and resort to forceful actions.

Strongly condemning the government’s action, he said land values here skyrocketed after the establishment of the Collectorate office. With a highway project also expected, the state government was maliciously trying to drive the poor away because these lands have become valuable.

Previously, while legal cases regarding these lands were pending, 'status quo' orders were issued multiple times. Despite the court clearly stating that no evictions or interference should take place, the revenue officials have issued eviction orders which is a heinous act, he said.

It is appalling that the state government claims fake documents and illegal allotments were uncovered during an inquiry by the Bhoodan Board and Revenue Department. Using that as a pretext, houses of poor were demolished. Who gave the state government the authority to behave this way, he questioned.

Since Revanth Reddy came to power, it seems he is moving around with a crowbar in hand and demolishing the homes of the poor. This is an inhumane attitude toward the people, Rao blamed.

Demolishing the houses of the poor to serve real estate business interests was entirely unjust. Even now, the state government must rectify its mistake and construct houses for the poor at this very location. Shelter must be provided, at least under the name of 'Indiramma Houses.'

The BJP leaders organized an Annadanam (food distribution) program at the site to provide immediate reassurance to the families left on the streets. It is our party's duty to stand by the poor.

This is a completely anti-people government. The public is vehemently opposing Revanth Reddy’s "Crowbar Government." Even during the previous BRS government in 2023, attempts were made to displace these families, he said.

Stating that the BJP will stand by the poor and fight for their rights, he demanded that permanent residential houses be constructed for the poor at this very site.