BRS stages protest, seeks Ponguleti’s dismissal and mining probe

In Hyderabad, the BRS protested at Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial demanding a probe into alleged illegal mining linked to a firm tied to Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. Leaders accused the Congress government of inaction and protecting the Minister, warning of further escalation

Hyderabad: Stepping up its attack on the Congress government, the BRS staged a protest at the Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial at Gun Park, demanding a House Committee probe into alleged illegal mining linked to a firm associated with Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. The party also sought the Minister’s dismissal.

Led by BRS working president KT Rama Rao and BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao, MLAs and MLCs held placards and raised slogans, accusing the government of shielding the Minister. The protest comes a day after Harish Rao presented documents in the Assembly alleging irregularities by Raghava Constructions, which is owned by the Minister’s family.

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Speaking to mediapersons, Rama Rao said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy acknowledged irregularities by stating that his government issued notices to the company. “However, no action has been taken so far. If there is no wrongdoing, why fear an inquiry?” he asked.

The BRS working president said the Chief Minister was protecting the Minister due to vested interests. He pointed to major contracts, including the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme, awarded to the firm, indicating a nexus. He also alleged revenue losses in mining operations, citing Bhagyalaxmi Mining in Kokapet, which allegedly is linked to the Chief Minister’s relatives.

Rama Rao criticised the government’s stand on the Hyderabad Metro Rail takeover, accusing the Chief Minister of misleading the public. He said the takeover would burden the State with an additional Rs 15,000 crore, including debt liabilities of the company, while claims of land gains were misrepresented.

“The ruling Congress is projecting 280 acres land from the deal as huge profit for the State, though the land actually belongs to the State government and it was given to L&T on lease,” he said. He warned that the BRS would escalate the issue beyond the Assembly, if action was not initiated. The BRS would soon meet the Governor for intervention and action.