Harish Rao condemns arrest of Parigi farmers, accuses Congress govt of looting SC, ST farmers

T Harish Rao accused A. Revanth Reddy government of forcibly acquiring lands from marginalised communities and suppressing protests in Parigi. He condemned arrests of leaders and farmers, vowing continued agitation against the proposed industrial park project

Hyderabad: BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao accused the Revanth Reddy government of waging a systematic assault on lands belonging to Dalits, Adivasis, and weaker sections in the State. He condemned the arrests of the BRS leaders and also farmers who were scheduled to stage the protests opposing acquisition of 1,200 acre land for a proposed industrial park.

Speaking to mediapersons at his residence before heading to Parigi, Harish Rao said the government was forcibly acquiring fertile lands under the pretext of industrial development, while suppressing opposition voices. “Why is the government swooping down like vultures on the lands of the poor?” he asked, terming the restrictions on opposition leaders as undemocratic.

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He accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of being obsessed with land, and carrying out large-scale acquisitions across the State including Lagacherla, Nadargul, and Parigi. He said over 10,000 acres belonging to SC and ST communities had already been taken over in the past two-and-a-half years, with plans to acquire another 40,000 acres.

The BRS leader alleged a crackdown on farmers’ protests in Parigi mandal, stating that police dismantled tents at protest venue in Kallapur, detained farmers and women, and threatened criminal cases to deter participation. He questioned the government’s commitment to democratic rights, pointing out that even BRS elected representatives were being blocked from reaching protest sites.

Targeting the Congress government’s policies, he said promises such as land rights to the marginalised sections and democratic guarantees were being deprived.

Harish Rao also raised concerns over the Koheda Fruit Market project, demanding that the government proceed with construction at the original site instead of diverting land for industrial use.

He thanked Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao for his statement confirming his allegations of shifting the fruit market. Warning of intensified agitation, he affirmed that the BRS would continue its fight until land acquisition in Parigi is halted and farmers’ lands are restored.