“We Will Shield Your Homes: Bulldozers Will Have to Go Through Us First”
Hyderabad , September 29 2024 :- In a bold statement, BRS leader Harish Rao assured the residents of Langar Houz that he stands with them in their battle against the ongoing demolitions by the Telangana government’s Hydra initiative. During his visit, Harish Rao said, “If you call me, I will be there within 15 minutes. And if they try to demolish your houses, the bulldozers will have to go through us.”
Harish Rao’s visit to Hyder Sha Kot was part of the BRS party’s efforts to support the victims of the Hydra demolitions and the Moosi river encroachments. The party’s leaders, led by Rao, inspected the houses marked for demolition and met with distressed families. “Be brave. Don’t lose confidence. We will stand by your houses without touching them. Even if bulldozers come, they will have to pass through us first,” he reassured the affected residents.
The Hydra demolitions have caused significant uproar, with three people already having lost their lives in related incidents. Residents continue to express their outrage as their homes, some of which have been built decades ago, face the bulldozers without proper notice.
A resident shared tearfully, “We don’t want Indiramma’s houses; we want our own homes, the ones we’ve lived in for 30 years.” Several protestors held placards reading “Say No to Demolitions” and “We Want Justice,” demanding that the government reconsider its actions.
Harish Rao took a strong stance against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s administration, accusing it of prioritizing beautification projects over the well-being of the poor. “Your government is only five years old, but the houses you are demolishing have a lifetime of memories and stability,” he said.
The Hydra demolitions have become a highly contentious issue, with many pointing to the contrast between the current administration and past leadership. “During Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s time, he won the hearts of the people and was known as a compassionate leader. But now, under Revanth Reddy, we see the destruction of homes rather than the creation of security for the poor.”
Protestors and political leaders alike have called for justice, with Rao challenging the government, “Why are you demolishing the homes of the poor while allowing large, illegal buildings to remain untouched? The poor are not voiceless, and BRS stands with them.”
As Telangana’s assembly elections took place on November 30, 2023, with Congress emerging victorious, the BRS party has pledged to continue standing by the poor and marginalized communities of Hyderabad, where they managed to retain a stronghold.
In an emotionally charged plea, Rao urged the government to reflect on the situation, stating, “Even the heart of stone melts when seeing the pain and tears of these people. Why doesn’t Revanth Reddy’s heart melt?”
“During this visit, former ministers Sabitha Indra Reddy, Mahemood Ali, Kartik Reddy MLA, and other BRS leaders were present alongside Harish Rao.”
Background:
The Hydra demolition initiative, led by the Telangana government, has been a cause of concern for many residents whose homes were marked as part of flood-affected areas and buffer zones. The initiative, aimed at clearing illegal encroachments, has been criticized for a lack of due process and insufficient notice periods for affected residents. BRS leaders, including Harish Rao, have voiced their opposition, vowing to support the residents in their struggle.
