Hyderabad, Nov.28 (NSS): Former minister Harish Rao has lashed out at the State government for misleading the Centre, Parliament and the public over the rehabilitation of Musi River project victims.
Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan, Rao accused the government of violating the 2013 Land Acquisition Act and failing to protect the rights of displaced families. “The government claims to follow the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, but this is a blatant lie. There has been no enumeration, no notices, no public consultations, and no fair compensation. Instead, houses were bulldozed recklessly, leaving families devastated. This is not governance; it is deception,” said Harish Rao.
He contrasted this with the policies implemented under K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s leadership. “KCR, coming from a displaced family himself, understood the struggles of affected families. He ensured 250 square yards of land and double-bedroom houses, compared to the 121 square yards mandated by the 2013 Act. Compensation for wage loss was increased, and every colony was developed with essential amenities. The current government’s actions, however, are a betrayal of the poor,” Rao added.
Rao highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s statements, accusing it of misleading Parliament. “Our MP K.R. Suresh Reddy’s questions exposed how the government is saying one thing to the Centre and doing another on the ground. The Chief Minister and Municipal Minister provided false information, claiming only new houses would be demolished, while several families have already been thrown out of their homes,” he said.
The former minister shared an example of Old Malakpet, where a family of 16 lost their home and was offered just one double-bedroom house as compensation. “Children weren’t even allowed to retrieve their schoolbooks before their homes were bulldozed. These families were left in tears, clutching nothing but the clothes on their backs. Who is responsible for this inhumane treatment?” he asked.
He also criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his contradictory statements. “He speaks of respecting Sonia Gandhi, yet his government ignores the 2013 Act she introduced. During a speech in Warangal, he said he would wash Sonia Gandhi’s feet, but if he truly respects her, why hasn’t he implemented the law she championed?” he asked.
Calling for accountability, Rao emphasized that the Musi victims deserve justice and legal protections. “KCR followed the 2014 Act meticulously in projects like Kondapochamma Sagar, Mallanna Sagar, Palamuru Lift Irrigation, and Sitarama. Compensation included double the assessed value of homes, ₹7.5 lakh for wage loss, ₹5 lakh for unmarried individuals, and developed colonies with roads, electricity, and healthcare. None of this has been done for Musi victims,” he stated.
Issuing an open challenge to the Chief Minister, Rao said, “I am ready to discuss the Musi rehabilitation issue anywhere—on live television, at the Secretariat, or at an all-party meeting. Let the Chief Minister decide the venue. Why hasn’t the all-party meeting, which both I and K.T. Rama Rao suggested, been convened?” Harish Rao also announced that the BRS would move a privilege motion in Parliament against the government’s false claims and explore legal options to ensure justice for Musi victims. “The BRS is not against the Musi project, but we oppose the misuse of funds and the betrayal of the displaced. We will stand by the victims until their rights are upheld,” he affirmed.
In conclusion, Harish Rao reiterated his commitment to fighting for the displaced. “The poor cannot be left at the mercy of bulldozers and reckless governance. The BRS will raise these issues in the Assembly, the courts, and every forum until justice is delivered,” he declared.
