Koheda Land Row: BJP backs farmers

Govt is forcing land acquisition without compensating affected farmers: Ramchander Rao

metro india news  I hyderabad

BBJP Telangana State President N. Ramchander Rao on Sunday strongly criticized the State Government over the proposed Fruit Market project at Koheda, alleging that farmers were being deprived of their land without receiving adequate compensation. Addressing a media conference at the BJP State headquarters, he accused the Congress government of adopting an anti farmer approach by proceeding with the project despite sustained opposition from affected landowners.

Referring to the foundation stone laid by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for the proposed fruit market spread across 239 acres in Survey No. 167/1 at Koheda, Ramchander Rao said the land belongs to farmers and that the government failed to provide proper compensation before initiating the project. He maintained that land acquisition without settling compensation amounts to grave injustice.

The BJP leader questioned the necessity of acquiring additional agricultural land when a fruit market already exists in the vicinity. He alleged that the acquired land could eventually be diverted for purposes other than the stated project and claimed that farmers had opposed the acquisition process from the beginning.

Ramchander Rao also condemned the detention of farmers ahead of the Chief Minister's visit to Koheda. According to him, several farmers were taken into custody and confined in police stations until the official programme concluded. He described the arrests, detentions and house arrests of protesting farmers and BJP leaders as undemocratic and reflective of an authoritarian style of governance.

Demanding immediate relief for the affected families, he said the government should not commence any construction activity until full compensation is paid to every farmer. He suggested that the government could consider utilizing the land of the existing fruit market and transferring it to relevant agencies rather than targeting farmers' lands. He reiterated that the BJP would continue to support the farmers' agitation and stand by those affected by the acquisition process.

BJP Chief faults CM

Turning to political issues, Ramchander Rao criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his remarks against Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar during a public meeting.   He termed the comments inappropriate and unbecoming of the Chief Minister's office, urging Congress leaders to exercise restraint in their language.

He challenged the State Government to a public debate on the contribution of the Centre to Telangana's development. Listing projects such as AIIMS Bibinagar, the Kazipet Coach Factory, Warangal Textile Park, Mulugu Tribal University and national highway expansion works, he claimed that the Narendra Modi government had significantly contributed to Telangana's growth. He asserted that the BJP was prepared for an open discussion on Central assistance to the State and accused both the Congress and BRS of indulging in corruption and misleading the public.