Hyderabad: BRS leader A Rakesh Reddy issued a stern warning to the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government, predicting that the ongoing demolition campaign under the HYDRAA initiative could lead to its downfall. Speaking at a news conference held at Telangana Bhavan on Saturday, Rakesh Reddy compared the government’s actions to a “Waterloo” moment, cautioning that the broader implications of HYDRAA could severely impact the state’s economy and stability.
Rakesh Reddy strongly criticized the Congress leadership for what he described as a reckless demolition spree. He highlighted the irony of the government dismantling houses and buildings that had been granted construction permissions by the very same authorities now ordering their destruction. “Governments may change, but the institution remains continuous,” he remarked, pointing to the work of past Congress leaders like P Janardhan Reddy, who championed housing rights for the poor, and Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, who built homes for the underprivileged.
In stark contrast, Rakesh Reddy labeled Chief Minister Revanth Reddy as a “demolisher and destroyer,” warning that his actions would have dire consequences. He accused the government of using the demolition campaign to distract from its failures, particularly the incomplete loan waiver scheme for farmers, which, according to Reddy, has yet to benefit even half of the intended recipients.
The BRS leader pledged to mobilize the public against the government’s policies, vowing that his party would not stand idle in the face of what he sees as unjust actions. Rakesh Reddy also raised concerns about the legitimacy and operational procedures of the newly established HYDRAA, which has been active for just one month. He questioned the lack of scientific assessment in identifying encroachments, noting the widespread fear among residents, especially in Hyderabad and Warangal, where many homes and businesses are built on lakes and streams.
As a potential solution, he suggested that the government should consider regularizing encroachments to generate revenue for the state. He warned that any attempts to demolish slums in Warangal, a city with a rich history and numerous lakeside slums, would lead to serious repercussions for the government.
