2BHK houses, built during BRS regime in Warangal East, turn den for rowdy elements

The alleged negligent attitude of local MLA, Minister Konda Surekha, in allotting the houses to journalists forced them to take to the streets

Warangal: As many as 200 double-bedroom houses built during BRS regime for journalists at Deshaipet in Warangal East constituency have become addas for anti-social elements and illegal activities.

The alleged negligent attitude of the local MLA, Minister Konda Surekha, in allotting the houses to journalists forced them to take to the streets with a demand to allot the houses to all eligible journalists at the earliest. The journalists in Warangal east constituency had taken up an indefinite ‘deeksha’ on April 14 in support of their demand.

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It may be recalled that the previous BRS regime built 200 double-bedroom houses on an area of 3.23 acres at Deshaipet with an estimated cost of Rs 12.60 crore. There are nine blocks with ground plus two structures with green area and internal roads. With the lack of proper security and non-allotment of houses, local youths and rowdy elements have turned the houses into gambling dens and also using them for liquor parties.

The door panels and windows of many houses have broken and been taken away by the locals, said senior journalists Velagandula Ajay and Jakkula Vijay Kumar.

The double-bedroom houses complex was inaugurated by former MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao along with the local MLA N Narender on June 17, 2023 and the MLA proposed to allot the houses to all eligible journalists. According to local BRS leader Dr Hari Ramadevi, as the process of identifying eligible journalists to allot the houses was underway, the Assembly election code of conduct came into force and the process was put on hold. Some political pressure also played a role in stopping the process.

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, journalists Ajay and Vijay Kumar complained that despite several appeals, Minister Surekha failed to address the issue even after 16 months of Congress rule.

Warangal East journalists met the Minister and ex-MLA Konda Murali on many occasions appealing him to allot the houses, but in vain. The Minister refused to allot the houses to journalists stating that they would not fall under below poverty line quota, contrary to the fact that majority of journalists are under BPL, the scribes noted, adding the ongoing ‘deeksha’ would continue until a proper solution is found.