Hitting back at the BRS over its recent comments on the Musi riverfront development project, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday urged the opposition party to contribute Rs 500 crore from its Rs 1,500 crore bank balance to compensate those displaced by the project, instead of merely expressing outrage.
Speaking at the launch of the pilot phase of the Family Digital Cards (FDC) initiative in Secunderabad, Revanth Reddy stated, “While the Congress government is working to protect Hyderabad from floods and traffic problems, BRS leaders like KT Rama Rao and Harish Rao are simply slinging mud at us. People see the drama being staged with hired actors by the BRS, claiming injustice is being done."
He added, "The BRS should donate Rs 500 crore from its Rs 1,500 crore, which was looted from the people, to help those living along the Musi. Before coming to power in 2014, some BRS leaders didn’t even have slippers to wear. Now, they have Rs 1,500 crore in the party’s account. Who does this money belong to if not the people of Telangana?"
Revanth announced plans to hold an all-party meeting to address the relocation of Musi evictees. “Let’s discuss the issue. There are 1,000 acres of government land at Jawaharnagar. We can allocate 150 square yards to each Musi victim and provide Indiramma houses. I invite BJP and BRS leaders to gather details on who has encroached on Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes and government lands,” he said.
Revanth criticized BRS MLAs for leaving the Assembly during discussions on the HYDRAA project. “Had they offered suggestions then, this situation wouldn’t have arisen. Now, let’s talk about solutions for the poor. Neither you nor I are giving away our ancestral wealth—it’s money collected from the people through taxes,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to provide 2BHK houses and Rs 25,000 to help those living in unhygienic conditions relocate to more dignified homes, questioning, "What alternative is there for the poor?"
Challenging the BJP and BRS
Revanth directly challenged BJP MP Eatala Rajender to secure Rs 25,000 crore from the Centre for Musi evictees' rehabilitation. "I’ll go with you. Let’s both meet Prime Minister Modi and request funds for Hyderabad. If the BJP government can develop the Sabarmati river in Gujarat, why can’t we develop the Musi river in Hyderabad?" he quipped.
BRS Leaders Accused of Protecting Personal Interests
The Chief Minister accused BRS leaders of staging a drama to safeguard their farmhouses. "Those who ruled for 10 years looted the state. Isn’t it true you’re using the poor as shields to protect your farmhouses?" he charged.
Revanth specifically targeted senior BRS leaders, questioning the legality of K.T. Rama Rao’s farmhouse in Janwada and Harish Rao’s property in Aziznagar. He also pointed fingers at the sons of former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and Congress leader KVP Ramachandra Rao for owning illegal farmhouses, demanding their demolition.
He further alleged that a BRS leader had built illegal constructions at Nalla Cheruvu and sold plots on Musi riverbanks. “The rich are dumping wastewater from their farmhouses into lakes like Gandipet and Himayatsagar. Should the people of Hyderabad drink contaminated water?” he asked.
Commitment to Hyderabad’s Development
Revanth reassured that his government was committed to resolving Hyderabad’s issues, including encroachments in buffer zones and FTLs of lakes. “If we don’t address these problems, no one can live in the city. The government is ready to meet people’s needs—we aren’t pursuing the Musi project for political gain, even if it might cost us politically,” he admitted.
Family Digital Cards (FDC) Initiative
Revanth also spoke about the new Family Digital Cards, aimed at integrating information from 30 departments into one card. He criticized the previous BRS government for ignoring the demand for ration cards over the past decade, explaining that the FDC would enable people to access multiple welfare schemes, including health benefits, fee reimbursement, and ration supplies. "The FDC will serve as a protective shield for every family," he said.
Finally, he reiterated the government's plan to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the relocation of Musi evictees, urging all parties to contribute their suggestions.