‘Not in My Name’: Tushar Gandhi joins residents’ protest against World’s Tallest Statue at Bapu Ghat

The Telangana government’s ambitious Gandhi Sarovar Project, which aims to build the world’s tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Bapu Ghat, Hyderabad, has triggered widespread criticism. Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, has strongly opposed the move, calling it “un-Gandhian.”

Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s plans under the Gandhi Sarovar Project to build the world’s tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Bapu Ghat, Langar Houz in Hyderabad by demolishing an apartment complex that houses close to 500 families, continues to attract criticism and anger.

In a stinging rebuke, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the initiative.

---

He took to social media platform X and directly made an appeal to Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy to halt the land acquisition for the proposed Rs 5,000 crore project.

“Displacing residents to create space for a Gandhi statue is the most unGandhian action. My appeal to the CM of Telangana is to please not do it,” Tushar Gandhi posted on X. Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson added, “Bapu would have said ‘Not in my Name. Stop it”.

Meanwhile, the residents of Madhu Park Ridge, in Bandlaguda Jagir, which is proposed to be demolished, have continued to oppose the State government’s move.

Over 500 families, many of whom are retired defense personnel and senior citizens, received notices that their homes falling within the proposed 200-acre Gandhi Sarovar Project zone, would be razed.

The residents described the State government’s move as ‘Forced Acquisition’ and pointed out that it is pushing ahead with the proposal without Special Impact Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment.

Videos of the residents, especially retired elderly couples and children living in the apartment complex, holding placards with slogans ‘Don’t make us homeless in Gandhi’s name’ have gone viral across multiple social media platforms.

Displacing residents to create space for a Gandhi statue is the most unGandhian action. My appeal to the CM of Telangana is to please not do it @revanth_anumula @TelanganaCMO Bapu would have said “Not in my Name, Stop it!”

— 🍉Tushar GANDHI🇵🇸 Manavta Meri Jaat (@TusharG) February 23, 2026