KTR Condemns Congress Government for Demolishing Huts on Bhoodan Land in Khammam
In a scathing attack on the ruling Congress administration, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has strongly criticized the government for demolishing huts in Velugumatla, located near Khammam town. These structures were built on Bhoodan land, which was originally donated for land redistribution to the landless poor.
Questioning the Promise of Indiramma Rajyam
KTR directly challenged the Congress government, asking whether the much-touted Indiramma Rajyam—a welfare scheme named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—actually meant destroying the homes of impoverished citizens. He expressed outrage over the forced eviction of residents, many of whom possessed official documents for their properties.
"Is this what Indiramma Rajyam promises—demolishing the houses of the poor?" KTR questioned during his visit to the affected families on Thursday. He was accompanied by other BRS leaders who joined him in expressing anger over the government's actions.
Heartbreaking Scenes During KTR's Visit
During KTR's visit to the victims in Indiramma Colony, Khammam district, emotional and distressing scenes unfolded. The affected residents, struggling to hold back tears, presented KTR with various government-issued documents including:
- Land ownership papers
- Property tax receipts
- House tax documents
- Demand drafts for electricity connections
The victims lamented, "These are all government-issued documents, so how can they demolish our homes?" They complained that while they lived peacefully without any issues during the previous KCR government's tenure, the current administration forcibly evicted them at midnight.
BRS Pledges Support and Legal Action
Pledging full support for the victims, KTR announced that the BRS party would take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary. He made a firm commitment to rebuild the houses in the same area and conduct house-warming ceremonies once the party returns to power.
KTR assured the affected families, "Don't be disheartened or cry... I take responsibility to rebuild houses at the same site and conduct housewarming ceremonies for all of you." He promised that as part of their ongoing struggle, BRS leaders would meet with the district collector and chief secretary to stand firmly with the victims.
Broader Accusations of Government Tyranny
The BRS working president expanded his criticism beyond the Khammam incident, accusing the government of tyranny in multiple locations. He specifically mentioned:
- The demolition of approximately 150 houses in Khammam
- The destruction of homes belonging to disabled individuals in Mahabubnagar
KTR demanded comprehensive justice for all victims, stating that merely transferring the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) was insufficient compensation for their suffering and loss.
Political Implications and Future Actions
KTR confirmed that the BRS party would raise this critical issue during the upcoming assembly sessions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of political discourse. The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions between the opposition BRS and the ruling Congress government over land rights and housing policies for marginalized communities.
The demolition of structures on Bhoodan land—property specifically donated for redistribution to landless farmers and poor families—has added a significant moral dimension to the controversy, raising questions about the government's commitment to social justice and welfare programs.
