Hyderabad: In a scathing critique of the Telangana state government, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has accused the administration of waging a “war on the poor” following recent demolitions in the Musi river basin. His comments came after an overnight visit to the area, where he voiced deep concerns over the dire living conditions of local residents. Reddy highlighted that the demolitions have left many families displaced and questioned whether public administration should equate to the destruction of homes. He emphasized that any efforts to prevent sewage from polluting the Musi river would require substantial funding and a more thoughtful approach to urban development. “Is this what public administration means? Demolishing homes without providing viable alternatives?” Reddy lamented.
He urged the state government to release a Detailed Project Report (DPR) concerning the Musi rehabilitation efforts and sought clarity on how water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers would be redirected to the Musi. Advocating for development without the displacement of residents, Reddy reiterated the need for sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life without sacrificing homes. His sentiments were echoed by MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who remarked that while the BJP supports the beautification of the Musi, it vehemently opposes the destruction of the homes of the underprivileged under the pretext of progress.
Vishweshwar Reddy argued that if residents must be relocated, they should receive compensation three times the value of their properties rather than simply being evicted. He criticized the notion that beautification equates to demolition, insisting instead that efforts should focus on purifying the water and improving overall living conditions. As tensions rise over the state government’s approach to urban development, the BJP continues to position itself as a champion for the rights of the poor, calling for an urgent reevaluation of the policies that impact the lives of countless families living along the Musi river basin.