In a significant escalation of the political battle over industrial land in Hyderabad, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao has demanded that the state government reclaim a massive 9,300 acres of industrial land located within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). He has called for this land to be used for constructing essential public infrastructure, including Indiramma houses, Young India schools, and hospitals.
Allegations of a Massive Land Scam
Reiterating his party's strong opposition, KTR labeled the Congress government's Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation Policy (HILTP) as a "5 lakh crore scam." He launched a scathing attack on the government's contradictory stance, pointing out that while the administration claims to have no government land available for critical public projects like Indiramma houses, hospitals, and even cemeteries, it is simultaneously offering vast tracts of prime land to industrialists at throwaway prices.
"The government, which claims there is no government land for Indiramma houses, hospitals, and even cemeteries, is offering this land to industrialists at a throwaway price," KTR asserted, highlighting what he sees as a major policy failure and injustice.
On-Ground Protests and Political Strategy
To solidify his party's stance, KTR visited the Jeedimetla and Quthbullapur industrial areas on Thursday, accompanied by senior BRS leaders. During his interaction with reporters, he outlined a multi-pronged strategy to build pressure against the HILT policy.
He announced that the BRS will soon organize an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the Congress-led government's policy. Furthermore, the party plans to take the issue directly to the people by explaining it in detail across city colonies and holding round-table conferences to galvanize public opinion.
"We will move forward with public organisations and opposition parties. Our struggle will continue until this policy is withdrawn, and the land worth lakhs of crores is protected. If necessary, we will pursue legal action," KTR declared during his visit. He was accompanied by MLAs KP Vivekananda Goud and Madhavaram Krishna Rao, along with MLCs Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and Shambirpur Raju.
Core Issues: Land Use and Massive Revenue Loss
KTR elaborated on the core of the controversy, stating that these lands were originally allocated by the government with the specific condition of setting up industries to generate employment. However, he alleged that the current policy facilitates the transfer of these lands to private individuals who intend to build apartments, villas, and commercial complexes instead of industrial units.
He emphasized that contrary to government claims, these are not private lands but government lands given with a specific industrial purpose. The financial aspect of the deal forms a major part of the allegation. KTR claimed that while the current market price for this land is approximately Rs 1.5 lakh per square yard, the government is offering it to private parties for a mere Rs 4,000 per square yard, leading to an astronomical loss to the public exchequer.
Looking ahead, KTR made a firm political promise, stating, "Once our government comes to power, the BRS will cancel this policy and, if needed, introduce a law for this purpose." This statement sets the stage for the land policy to become a central issue in future electoral battles in Telangana.
