Hyderabad: BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao accused the Congress government of using HYDRAA intimidation and extortion against residents, builders and political opponents.
He alleged that the agency had carried out selective demolitions instead of enforcing the law impartially. He also accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of defending HYDRAA despite observations by the Telangana High Court.
Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Tuesday, KTR urged the Chief Minister to respect the judiciary. He said the government had no moral authority to discuss the rule of law while disregarding judicial institutions.
“A government that refuses to respect judicial institutions has no moral authority to speak about the rule of law,” he said. KTR described HYDRAA as a “nine-headed monster.” He alleged that the agency had become an instrument of blackmail, intimidation and political vendetta.
Moreover, he said the BRS would abolish HYDRAA on its first day in office if it returned to power. He linked that promise to what he called the spirit of the High Court’s observations.
HYDRAA intimidation and extortion charges target selective action
KTR alleged that HYDRAA had demolished houses belonging to ordinary residents while ignoring structures linked to influential people. He accused the agency of sparing politicians, ministers, Members of Parliament and powerful builders. At the same time, he claimed it had targeted poor and middle-class families.
The BRS leader questioned why politically connected structures in lake beds and full tank level areas had escaped action. However, he said poor families had lost homes despite court protections.
“If the government is genuinely committed to protecting public lands, it should first demolish the illegal structures belonging to its own leaders, ministers and influential individuals,” he said.
“The law must be equal for everyone; it cannot become a shield for Congress leaders and a weapon against the poor,” KTR added.
He accused the Chief Minister of causing large-scale destruction across Hyderabad in HYDRAA’s name. According to him, the government had demolished thousands of homes during its two years in office.
Meanwhile, he said the administration had failed to construct houses for people during the same period. He contrasted that failure with the scale of demolition activity attributed to HYDRAA.
KTR argued that the agency had abandoned lawful and uniform enforcement. Instead, he alleged that political considerations had shaped its actions.
HYDRAA intimidation and extortion allegations include builders
The BRS Working President also alleged that HYDRAA had become an extortion mechanism. He claimed officials used the agency to threaten builders and collect money.
However, he did not provide specific cases or documentary evidence during the media interaction. His remarks remained political allegations directed at the State government and HYDRAA.
KTR maintained that the agency had created fear among homeowners and developers. Furthermore, he said selective enforcement had damaged public confidence in the administration.
He accused Revanth Reddy of allowing HYDRAA to function outside the principles of equal treatment. Therefore, he demanded that the Chief Minister stop defending the agency.
The HYDRAA intimidation and extortion charge formed the core of KTR’s attack on the Congress government. He also linked the issue to demolitions, alleged blackmail and political retaliation.
According to KTR, any genuine effort to protect public land had to begin with influential encroachers. He said enforcement could not remain limited to vulnerable residents.
He reiterated that the BRS would dismantle HYDRAA if voters returned the party to power. In addition, he said the party would act immediately after forming the government.
KTR’s remarks intensified the BRS campaign against HYDRAA and its demolition drives. They also placed renewed political pressure on the Chief Minister over the agency’s functioning.