Hyderabad Chief Minister Probes BRS Land Scams via Dharani Portal
In a significant political development, Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has responded to demands from BRS MLAs for a house committee on illegal mining by proposing a counter-investigation into alleged land scams involving BRS leaders. On Sunday, the chief minister suggested forming a house committee to probe accusations of misuse of the Dharani portal for land grabs.
Allegations Against BRS Leaders
Revanth Reddy specifically targeted BRS MLA Harish Rao, alleging that Rao, along with his relatives, illegally acquired hundreds of acres of land by exploiting the Dharani portal and intimidating landowners. "I am ready to order a house committee to probe the land scam in which Harish Rao's brother, uncle, and brother-in-law got hundreds of acres of land in Balanagar mandal of Mahabubnagar transferred in their names. Is Harish Rao ready to face the probe?" he challenged during the assembly session.
Call for Consent from MLAs
The chief minister extended his proposal to other key figures, including BRS MLAs Harish Rao and KT Rama Rao, as well as BJP's K Venkata Ramana Reddy. He urged them to give their consent for a house committee on land scams, noting that these MLAs had previously questioned the government's reluctance to accept the BRS demand for a committee on illegal mining. Revanth stated he would order the committee either if Harish Rao agrees or if the speaker directs it, emphasizing, "If Harish Rao is honest and KTR believes in his honesty, they should accept a house committee and cooperate."
Criticism of BJP and Kaleshwaram Inquiry
Taking a swipe at BJP's Ramana Reddy, Revanth highlighted the party's lack of progress in the Kaleshwaram probe. "Back then, they said that within 48 hours of demanding a CBI inquiry, they would arrest KCR, but even after eight months, nothing has happened. Now they are asking for a house committee on illegal mining. First, tell us the status of the Kaleshwaram inquiry," he asserted, accusing the BJP of evading responsibility while offering mere suggestions.
Support from Other MLAs
Following the CM's proposal, several MLAs voiced their support for the house committee, claiming to be victims of land scams by BRS leaders. Kadiyam Srihari alleged, "They threatened company owners and got thousands of acres of land transferred. A house committee should be formed. See how scared they are." Similarly, Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender detailed multiple scams during the BRS regime, stating, "The govt must definitely order a house committee. There were many such scams. In fact, they took away our land, and KTR handed it over to a company. We have records, and I can submit them."
Further Allegations and Demands
MLA Naini Rajender Reddy escalated the accusations, claiming that BRS leaders grabbed land worth Rs 200 crore. He demanded, "The govt should demolish BRS offices and take over the land." These statements underscore the growing pressure for a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of the Dharani portal, which has become a focal point in the ongoing political tussle in Hyderabad.
