Hyderabad: BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao alleged Khammam demolitions bulldozer raj and accused the Congress government of carrying out inhumane and legally questionable evictions in Velugumatla.
After visiting affected families in Vinoba Bhave Colony, Khammam, KTR criticised the Revanth Reddy government for what he described as a “bulldozer-first governance model”. He said the demolition drive targeted poor beneficiaries who possessed valid pattas.
KTR claimed that nearly 62 acres of Bhoodan land, originally donated under the Vinoba Bhave-inspired movement, had been distributed to 1,895 beneficiaries in 2014. He asserted that Bhoodan land is meant for the poor and cannot be treated as encroached property without due process. “Calling them encroachers despite documented proof is unjust,” he said, alleging procedural lapses.
Questioning the Congress slogan of “Indiramma Rajyam”, he asked whether welfare for the poor now meant demolishing their homes. He further alleged that the late-night eviction, backed by heavy police presence, resembled a military-style operation.
Khammam demolitions, bulldozer raj sparks land controversy
KTR hinted at possible real estate interests behind the demolitions and questioned the reported transfer of the local Revenue Divisional Officer. He said there was a growing perception that the land was being eyed for high-end development and demanded that the government place all facts in the public domain.
Assuring legal support to the families, he said the BRS would challenge the action in all forums, even up to the Supreme Court if required. He demanded on-site rehabilitation for eligible families and called for an immediate halt to further coercive measures.
He also urged the government to conduct a transparent review of land records in Velugumatla and engage directly with residents. Former minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar and MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra were present during the visit.