Hyderabad: BRS MLA and former minister T. Harish Rao on Monday alleged that the State government was attempting to derail the Koheda fruit market project and reallocate nearly 200 acres earmarked for it. He valued the land at about ₹3,000 crore and claimed the move would benefit the government’s associates.
He warned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy against shifting the market or disposing of key State assets. He said the government must safeguard land meant for farmers instead of diverting it for private interests.
Harish Rao made these remarks after visiting the proposed site with former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and other BRS leaders. During the visit, he criticised the Congress government and alleged a plan to stall the project and divert the land.
While addressing the media, he alleged that the government planned to transfer the land to TGIIC and later hand it over to its associates. He questioned whether the government prioritised the future of 25,000 to 30,000 farmers or the interests of traders and middlemen.
He added that thousands of farmers would benefit from the market every day. Therefore, he insisted that authorities should complete the project at the original site without delay.
Koheda fruit market alternative land dispute concerns
Harish Rao also opposed the proposal to shift the market to alternative lands. He said the “DIL lands” identified for relocation were already under legal dispute. He noted that the High Court had imposed restrictions and said the Andhra Pradesh government was also involved.
He pointed out that SC farmers currently cultivate those lands. He then questioned how authorities could propose disputed land for a major farmers’ market.
The BRS leader accused the Chief Minister of targeting valuable lands across the State. He alleged that “wherever there is land, the intention is to sell it.” He also questioned whether the Chief Minister supported farmers or middlemen.
He further alleged that authorities were targeting even land meant for farmers in pursuit of commissions. He warned that efforts were underway to stall the Koheda fruit market project. However, he asserted that the BRS would continue its fight until an international-standard facility comes up at the same site.
He also expressed concern over nearly one crore acres included in the prohibited list in Telangana. He demanded that authorities should avoid classifying farmers’ lands in ways that create hardship.
Koheda fruit market agitation warning
Harish Rao appealed to the Agriculture Minister to take a clear stand. He said the minister, being a farmer, should ensure construction of the Koheda fruit market at Koheda.
He warned that the BRS would escalate the issue if the government failed to act. If construction does not begin immediately, the party will launch a major agitation in support of farmers. He added that the BRS would pursue the matter at all levels until authorities complete the Koheda fruit market at the notified site.