The political atmosphere in Khammam reached a boiling point on Monday as MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, President of Telangana Jagruthi, was arrested by the local police during a high-profile protest. The demonstration was organized to voice support for the residents of Velugumatla, whose houses were recently razed in a massive government demolition drive. Kavitha was joined by SC/ST/BC JAC leader Visharadan Maharaj and hundreds of distraught families who had lost their homes. The group staged a large-scale dharna at the Ambedkar statue in the ZP Center, leading to a significant standoff with law enforcement agencies.
The day began with Kavitha and Visharadan visiting Ambedkar Bhavan, a temporary refuge for hundreds of people displaced by the demolitions. After listening to the harrowing stories of the victims, the leaders led a march toward the ZP Center, demanding that the state government provide immediate justice. Their primary demands included the allocation of house sites and the construction of ‘Indiramma houses’ on the same Bhoodan lands from which the residents were evicted. As the crowd grew, the situation turned volatile. When police tried to clear the area, a physical scuffle broke out between the agitators and police personnel. To restore order, the police forcibly detained Kavitha and Visharadan, shifting them to khammam rural police station.
Following her arrest, the police granted station bail to MLC Kavitha. However, in a dramatic turn of events, she did not return home. Instead, she went directly back to Ambedkar Bhavan with JAC leader Visharadan to launch an indefinite hunger strike (Niravadhika Nirahara Deeksha). Sitting among the victims, she declared that her protest would continue until the state government provides a concrete written assurance regarding the rehabilitation and housing rights of the poor families. This move has intensified the pressure on the administration, which is already facing heat from various political quarters.
The root of this crisis dates back to late February 2026, when authorities demolished 720 houses in the Vinoba Navodaya Colony of Velugumatla. The district administration, led by Collector Anudeep Durishetty, maintains that the 31-acre land belongs to the Bhoodan Yagna Board and is worth over ₹250 crore. The government claims the eviction was a legal necessity to protect public assets from land sharks and illegal encroachments. However, the residents argue they have lived there for a decade and possess valid documents from previous years.
While Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy recently assured that “eligible” families would be identified for new house plots March 15, the protesters remain skeptical. Kavitha’s decision to stay on the ground and fast has galvanized the local community, turning Ambedkar Bhavan into the epicenter of a growing movement for housing rights in Telangana.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
Anand Gantela is a seasoned media professional with nearly three decades of experience across the spectrum of Indian journalism. Having worked extensively in both print and broadcast media, he has held key positions at renowned outlets such as Prajashakthi, Andhra Bhoomi, Mudra, Media India, Siti Cable, Mana Telugu, and Maa TV. From ground-level reporting to managing news bureaus and overseeing bulletin production, Anand has witnessed the evolution of news firsthand. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the dynamic and ever- evolving landscape of news reporting.
