The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and BJP has launched a fierce opposition to the Congress-led Telangana government’s demolition drive, aimed at clearing areas for the Musi Riverfront beautification project in Hyderabad. BRS leader and former Minister T Harish Rao, during a meeting with displaced families, pledged unwavering support to those affected by the government’s actions. The BRS promised free legal aid and continuous assistance to families whose homes are at risk of demolition.
BRS Stands With Families Facing Displacement
At a gathering in Telangana Bhavan, hundreds of families expressed their fear and frustration over the demolition of their homes, which are being cleared as part of the Musi riverfront project. Harish Rao reassured these families that the BRS would offer full legal support and fight their case in court. He emphasized that the party’s legal cell would be available around the clock to provide guidance and ensure justice for those affected.
Rao’s condemnation of the government’s demolition tactics highlighted a critical issue: the displacement of thousands of families who have invested their life savings into building their homes. The former minister expressed deep concern that these actions could have long-lasting negative impacts on both the people of Hyderabad and the state’s reputation.
A Warning Against “Bulldozer Justice”
Harish Rao was particularly vocal about the government’s heavy-handed approach, which he referred to as “bulldozer justice.” According to him, these aggressive actions would tarnish Hyderabad’s image as a global city that welcomes people from across India. He warned that the current approach would backfire, eroding trust in the government and damaging the state’s standing in both national and international arenas.
“The beautification of the Musi riverfront should not come at the cost of people’s homes and livelihoods,” Rao argued, calling for a more balanced, inclusive approach to urban development. He urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens instead of steamrolling through important housing areas.
A Call to Rahul Gandhi for Intervention
In a bold move, Harish Rao publicly appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to intervene in the ongoing demolition drive. He noted that Rahul Gandhi had previously spoken out against similar “bulldozer justice” tactics in northern states. Rao implored Gandhi to take serious action and halt the demolition of homes in Telangana, which he called a humanitarian crisis.
Rao also demanded that the Congress government hold an all-party meeting to discuss the Musi Riverfront project. He stressed the importance of involving all political voices in determining the fate of over 25,000 families who stand to be displaced by the initiative. Rao’s call to action sent a clear message: urban development should not proceed without careful consideration of the impact on local communities.
BRS Delegation to Visit Affected Areas
In an effort to further support the displaced families, Harish Rao announced that a BRS delegation would visit the localities targeted for demolition. The delegation, comprised of BRS MLAs and other party members, will tour the homes and communities in danger of being razed. The party’s legal team has been instructed to provide immediate assistance to those affected and ensure their rights are upheld.
This direct engagement by BRS members underlines the party’s commitment to fighting for the rights of Hyderabad’s residents. By visiting these localities and standing with the people, the BRS is reinforcing its position as a champion of the poor and disadvantaged in the state.
Criticism of Unjust Government Actions
Rao didn’t hold back in criticizing the Congress government’s handling of the situation. He pointed out that while regular citizens’ homes are being demolished without proper notice, special treatment was given to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s brother. The Chief Minister’s brother was granted a 45-day extension before the demolition of his house, located in a buffer zone near a city tank.
Rao also referenced two tragic incidents that have added fuel to the fire. In one case, a woman named Buchavva committed suicide after her house was demolished. In another, a woman suffered a heart attack and died due to the stress caused by the looming demolition of her home. Rao labeled these deaths as “murders” directly caused by the reckless policies of the Revanth Reddy administration.
These tragic stories have only intensified the BRS’s determination to resist the demolition drive. Harish Rao made it clear that the party would not stand idly by while citizens suffer.
A Compassionate Approach to Urban Development
At the heart of Rao’s message was a call for a more compassionate and balanced approach to urban development. He argued that while infrastructure improvements and beautification projects are important, they must not come at the expense of displacing thousands of families, many of whom are already economically vulnerable.
The BRS leader emphasized that urban development and human welfare should go hand-in-hand. The government, he argued, should prioritize policies that uplift its citizens rather than tearing down their homes. Rao warned that without a more humane approach, the ongoing demolition drive would wreak havoc on the lives of Hyderabad’s poorest citizens.
Conclusion: A Battle for Justice and Fairness
The BRS has drawn a clear line in the sand, positioning itself as the voice of those displaced by the Telangana government’s Musi Riverfront project. Harish Rao’s fiery speeches and the party’s legal efforts reflect a deep commitment to protecting the rights of citizens whose homes are under threat.
As the political battle over the Musi Riverfront project intensifies, the BRS has made it clear that it will not back down. The party’s challenge to the government’s “bulldozer justice” signals an ongoing fight for fairness, justice, and a more compassionate approach to urban development in Hyderabad.
