Revanth says poor encroachers should not be disturbed, rich ones cleared

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed officials not to disturb poor people occupying encroached land while ordering clearance of encroachments by the rich. He also backed the Owaisi brothers’ patriotism and announced Metro connectivity to Chandrayangutta within two-and-a-half years.

Hyderabad: In a significant direction to officials, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said poor people occupying encroached land should not be disturbed, while encroachments by the rich should be cleared immediately.

These instructions are in sharp contrast to the Congress government’s actions in other parts of the city, where houses and tenements of poor people have been demolished. There have been several instances of HYDRAA demolishing houses belonging to the poor, leaving them without shelter.

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However, the Chief Minister adopted a ‘soft’ approach in the Old City after inaugurating the Saidabad flyover on Thursday.

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi pointed out that there was no land available for constructing Indiramma Houses in Yakutpura and Charminar and urged the government to identify land at other locations.

Acknowledging the issue, Revanth Reddy directed the Hyderabad Collector and officials to identify suitable alternative land.

“If any poor people encroach on lands, do not cause inconvenience to them. But if any rich people occupy lands, clear them and facilitate construction of Indiramma Houses,” Revanth Reddy said.

In another significant statement, the Chief Minister said nobody could question the patriotism of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and his younger brother and Chandrayangutta MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi.

“Many charge that the Owaisi brothers are working against India. As a Chief Minister, I announce that they are not inferior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah when it comes to patriotism,” Revanth Reddy said.

He said the Owaisi brothers would not step back when it came to the country’s security. They could have different political opinions and could have worked to defeat Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, or at times to ensure the defeat of the Congress as well, he admitted.

“All this happens during elections. In politics, people join hands and then part ways. There is no need to take such issues emotionally,” he maintained.

The Chief Minister also announced that Metro connectivity from MGBS to Chandrayangutta would be completed within two-and-a-half years.

“I will seek votes from you people during the next elections after travelling in the Metro in the Old City,” he assured.