Hyderabad: BRS MLA K.P. Vivekananda demanded a comprehensive HYDRAA excesses probe after welcoming the Telangana High Court’s remarks involving Commissioner A.V. Ranganath.
Vivekananda, the BRS Legislature Party whip, described the court’s observations as a victory for poor families and justice. He alleged that HYDRAA had acted arbitrarily and subjected residents to oppressive enforcement.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, he claimed the court’s remarks had exposed the State government’s misuse of the agency. He also described the development as a setback to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s governance.
The BRS legislator said Revanth Reddy had lost the moral right to continue as Municipal Administration Minister. Therefore, he demanded the Chief Minister’s resignation from that portfolio.
HYDRAA excesses probe sought over selective action
Vivekananda alleged that the government had used HYDRAA selectively against political opponents. At the same time, he accused the agency of sparing individuals favoured by the ruling establishment.
He claimed demolitions carried out by the agency had caused severe hardship to poor and middle-class families. Accordingly, he demanded that HYDRAA operate strictly within the constitutional and legal framework.
The MLA said replacing Commissioner A.V. Ranganath with another official would not resolve the problem. He argued that the agency’s conduct would remain unchanged unless the Chief Minister altered his approach.
Vivekananda also used strong language while criticising Revanth Reddy’s style of functioning. He alleged that the Chief Minister had displayed authoritarian tendencies in the administration of HYDRAA.
The HYDRAA excesses probe, he said, should examine demolitions, enforcement decisions and alleged selective action. He maintained that accountability was necessary to protect affected residents.
HYDRAA excesses probe linked to BRS political promise
Referring to earlier remarks by BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao, Vivekananda repeated the party’s stand on the agency. He said the BRS would dismantle what it had called the “HYDRAA monster” if it returned to power.
He argued that the agency had moved beyond its stated role and had become a source of fear among residents. However, he did not provide details of specific cases during the media interaction.
The MLA said the government must review HYDRAA’s functioning instead of merely changing its leadership. Moreover, he insisted that any enforcement action should follow due process and protect citizens’ rights.
Vivekananda maintained that the High Court’s remarks strengthened the BRS demand for scrutiny. He also claimed that the issue had raised wider questions about administrative accountability.
The HYDRAA excesses probe demand formed the central part of his criticism of the State government. He said the inquiry should establish responsibility for any unlawful or discriminatory action.
He further accused the Congress government of using public institutions for political purposes. In contrast, he said agencies must function impartially and remain answerable to the law.
The BRS MLA concluded that justice for affected families required more than a personnel change. He called for a full examination of HYDRAA’s decisions, demolition drives and enforcement methods.