KTR flags corruption in Musi project, challenges Congress on Rs.57,000 crore SHG loan claim

BRS working president KT Rama Rao accused the Congress government of corruption in the Musi riverfront project, questioned land acquisition and funding, and challenged claims of interest-free loans to SHGs while highlighting administrative lapses and eviction concerns.

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Tuesday mounted a sharp attack on the Congress government, slamming it for corruption in the Musi riverfront project, discrepancies in interest-free loan claims and administrative failures across departments. Demanding transparency in the Musi project, he said the government was undertaking large-scale land acquisition in the name of river rejuvenation to benefit private real estate companies.

During an informal interaction with the media at the Assembly, Rama Rao said notices were being issued to thousands of families even in areas up to five kilometres away from the river, creating panic among residents. The government notified about 3,297 acres affecting nearly 10,000 households in its gazette notification, but has now informed the House that only about 1,400 houses would be impacted. “This is misleading the Assembly and the people,” he said.

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Reiterating that the BRS was not opposed to the Musi rejuvenation project, the former Minister questioned why rehabilitation was being promised selectively, like for Madhu Ridge Park apartments, but not to all affected families. He also criticised the selection of consultancy firms like Meinhardt and sought clarity on funding, asking how the government planned to mobilise nearly Rs.1.5 lakh crore for the project while citing lack of funds to implement poll guarantees.

Rama Rao said eviction notices were being issued to residents of Hanuman Nagar in the name of buffer zones while properties linked to influential persons like the Chief Minister’s brother, Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and G Vivek Venkataswamy were spared. He also accused the government of defying court orders during demolition drives in Ameenpur. “The government is turning the Musi riverfront project into a real estate venture,” he remarked.

Criticising the handling of loans from multilateral agencies, he said funds expected from the Asian Development Bank had not materialised due to the absence of a Detailed Project Report. He warned officials against exceeding their mandate to serve political interests.

The BRS working president also challenged Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to prove the claim that Rs.57,000 crore in interest-free loans to Self Help Groups (SHGs) had been disbursed. Stating that he would resign if proof was produced, he demanded that Ministers step down if the claim could not be substantiated.

He opined that the Governor’s address and statements made on the floor of the House contained incorrect figures and said a privilege motion would be moved for misleading the Assembly. Referring to land acquired earlier for Pharma City to keep polluting industries away from residential areas, he said the Revanth Reddy government was diverting the land for other purposes. Holding the government responsible for high-handed eviction drives, failure to implement welfare schemes and reluctance to face inquiries, he said several issues relating to land, finances and project execution would be exposed in the coming days.

Responding to a question, he said the ruling party had not responded to his challenge for drug tests for all legislators. On party chief K Chandrashekhar Rao skipping the session, he said the atmosphere in the House did not warrant his presence and added that the ruling Congress was struggling to face BRS MLAs and might be unable to handle Chandrashekhar Rao.