- KTR Vows to Rebuild Homes as Tears and Anger Mark Visit to Eviction Victims
- “Labelling district ministers as “tricksters”
- KCR would return as Chief Minister in two years
In a scathing attack on the Congress government, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) likened the recent midnight evictions of the poor to an “invasion by an enemy country.” Visiting the displaced residents who were left homeless overnight, KTR delivered a high-voltage speech, blending sharp political “punches” with moments of deep empathy as victims recounted their harrowing experiences.
“They Didn’t Even Let Us Feed Our Babies”
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as KTR sat among the ruins of demolished homes. The victims, many clutching what few belongings they had left, shared stories of a “ghastly” night that felt more like a raid than a legal procedure. Mothers wept as they told the BRS leader that officials refused to give them even a few minutes to feed their month-old infants before dragging them out.
Household items, the savings of a lifetime, were reportedly tossed into tractors and lorries like trash. “We weren’t given a second to recover from the shock,” one victim shared through tears. Many residents noted they had feared such a “ghastly gesture” from the current administration, but the brutality of the midnight operation caught them off guard.
KTR’s “Punch” Speech: Fire and Defiance
KTR didn’t hold back, turning his ire toward the three ministers he holds responsible for the “wicked” operation. They talk about ‘Indiramma Rajyam’ (Indira Gandhi’s rule). Is this it? Does it mean demolishing the roofs over the poor? Does it mean throwing Intermediate students onto the streets and ruining their futures?”
Illegal Mindsets, Not Titles
He rubbished claims that the residents’ land titles were invalid. “The titles are perfectly legal. It is the intent and mindset of these three ministers that is illegal and wicked,” he asserted, accusing them of “snatching food from the mouths of the poor. “Labelling district ministers as “tricksters” (maayagallu), he warned residents to beware of officials coming in the dark of night to collect thumbprints or signatures. He cautioned the crowd that the government, which he claimed deceived the public with the “Six Guarantees,” would now show them “Vaikuntam in the palm of their hand” (making grand, false promises) only to “shave their heads” (cheat them) once more.
A Promise of Return: “KCR Will Be Back”
KTR arrived with a message of hope from former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), urging the victims not to be afraid. He confidently claimed that with the people’s blessings, KCR would return as Chief Minister in two years. He promised that the BRS would fight tooth and nail in the Legislative Assembly and Council. The BRS goal is not just compensation, but the ‘rebuilding and regularization’ of these homes in the exact same location from which the residents were evicted. “The government has the power, but you have the strength of unity. Do not sign a single document. We will fight this legal battle together,” KTR concluded.
KTR was accompanied by former minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP V. Ravichandra, BRS MLC T. Madhu, and R.S. Praveen Kumar, signalling a united front by the BRS against the eviction drive.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
