Hyderabad: BRS Working President KTR alleged a massive scam in the Musi Riverfront project and led a walkout from the Assembly, accusing the government of lacking transparency.
KTR said the project could involve financial irregularities of up to ₹1.5 lakh crore. However, he clarified that the opposition does not oppose river rejuvenation but objects to alleged misuse of public funds.
He demanded that the government release the Detailed Project Report immediately. At the same time, KTR questioned how authorities began demolitions and land acquisition without placing the DPR in the public domain.
KTR flags Musi project discrepancies in Assembly
During Question Hour, KTR pressed the government for clarity on project details. He also raised concerns over the scale of demolitions and land acquisition.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Sridhar Babu rejected the allegations. They said the project involved no secrecy and termed the claims baseless.
Sridhar Babu stated that officials had completed the DPR for the first phase. He added that the estimated cost stood between ₹6,500 crore and ₹7,000 crore.
According to the minister, the project will affect 1,435 structures. He said officials are finalising the figures and will follow the 2013 land acquisition law.
Further, he said eligible families in buffer zones will receive Transferable Development Rights. He also assured that authorities will carry out rehabilitation as per legal provisions.
KTR, however, dismissed the explanation. Instead, he pointed to contradictions between statements made by the Chief Minister and ministers.
While the Chief Minister cited a ₹1.5 lakh crore project in public meetings, ministers quoted a lower figure in the House. Therefore, he said the government must clarify the discrepancy.
He also cited official records that mention plans to demolish 10,000 houses and acquire 3,260 acres. Moreover, KTR questioned how a firm allegedly barred in other countries received DPR responsibility.
He further raised doubts about the timeline. KTR asked how a DPR that typically takes 18 months was completed in just two months.
According to KTR, the government lacks both funds and a clear execution plan. He added that no loan has been sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank.
Unconvinced by the response, KTR and BRS legislators walked out of the House, alleging the government failed to maintain transparency.