Koppula Eshwar accuses Congress of anti-poor demolitions

Former Minister Koppula Eshwar accused the Congress government of targeting the poor through large-scale house demolitions in Telangana. He alleged 600 houses were razed in Khammam and warned that 50,000 more could face demolition under the Gandhi Sarovar project.

Hyderabad: Former Minister Koppula Eshwar accused the Congress government of adopting an anti-poor policy and said demolishing the homes of the poor has become routine since it came to power in Telangana.

Addressing a press meet at Telangana Bhavan on Friday, Eshwar said nearly 600 houses of poor families were demolished in Khammam district headquarters, despite residents holding pattas. He alleged that the demolitions were carried out to facilitate real estate interests. “The Congress government has made demolishing houses its business. This inhuman approach must be strongly condemned,” he said, criticising three Ministers from Khammam district for remaining silent on the issue.

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He pointed to similar incidents across the State over the past two years, including razing of houses of the poor in Hyderabad by HYDRAA. While tribal lands in Lagacherla were targeted for forcible acquisition, he said around 50,000 houses could face demolition under the proposed Gandhi Sarovar project.

Referring to the recent incident during the Kummera Jatara, Eshwar alleged deterioration in law and order and accused the police of acting at the behest of Congress leaders. He demanded action against officers who were allegedly negligent in handling the situation.