Harish Rao slams Revanth Reddy, says real Diwali begins only after BRS returns

Hyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao has sharply criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, declaring that people will witness a “true Diwali” only when the current Congress government collapses.

Rao made these remarks on Monday night during Diwali celebrations at Haidarshakot near Kendriya Vihar in Bandlaguda Municipality. He joined Rajendranagar constituency in-charge Karthik Reddy and Moosi-affected residents to distribute firecrackers to children.

Accusations against Congress leadership

He accused the Congress-led state government of selectively demolishing homes belonging to low-income families under the pretext of the Hyderabad Road Development Authority (HyDRA) project. In contrast, he said illegal constructions owned by ministers Ponguleti, Tirupati Reddy, and Mahender Reddy remain untouched.

“Revanth’s rule saw one lakh homes demolished in two years, but not a single new house has been built,” Rao alleged. He dismissed the Moosi beautification drive as a cover for mass evictions rather than genuine development.

Real estate and welfare concerns

Highlighting his party’s track record, Rao noted that during KCR’s tenure, Hyderabad witnessed the construction of one lakh double-bedroom homes. He claimed the current administration has reversed much of that progress. He also blamed HyDRA’s actions for collapsing the city’s real estate sector.

Call for political change

Describing Diwali as a celebration of evil’s defeat, Rao said real joy will return when Revanth’s regime ends. He called on voters to support the BRS candidate in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.

“Moosi today reflects the ash of the people with low-income, the joy of the rich, and the rage of Revanth,” Rao remarked. He alleged that former CM KCR had brought water from Kaleshwaram to Mallannasagar, but the Congress government has stalled progress for personal gain.

Rao ended his address with confidence in a BRS victory in the bypoll. Hundreds of residents and party leaders attended the event.