Kadiyam denies land encroachment allegations, challenges BRS leaders to prove claims

MLA Kadiyam Srihari denies forest land encroachment allegations, challenges accusers to prove claims or apologize.

Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari on Tuesday strongly refuted allegations of forest land encroachment levelled against him by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders. He described the charges as baseless and politically motivated.

Addressing a press conference at the DCC office, along with Congress leaders here on Tuesday, Mr. Srihari challenged BRS Jangaon MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and former MLA Thatikonda Rajaiah to substantiate their claims. “If they can prove that I have encroached even a single gunta of land, I am ready to resign from my post. If not, they should apologise,” he said.

He said farmers from Devanoor, Mupparam, and Narayanagiri villages had approached him seeking redressal, claiming that the Forest department was encroaching on their legally held patta lands. Following their appeal, a joint survey was conducted by the revenue, land and survey, and forest departments. The survey confirmed that 43.38 acres of land belonging to 23 farmers was indeed patta land. These lands were not part of the original forest draft, he said.

Mr. Srihari added that the farmers possess valid patta passbooks, both from undivided Andhra Pradesh and from the Telangana government through the Dharani portal. He also pointed out that these farmers have been receiving financial assistance under the Rythu Bandhu scheme since 2017. He said the draft notification of the Forest department indicates that 3,750 acres were demarcated as forest land, but the joint survey report revealed 3,955 acres are currently under its control.

Kadiyam Srihari also clarified that he would fully cooperate with any official inquiry. “I am ready to face any investigation. If proven guilty, I will resign and apologise to the people,” he said. Mr. Srihari reiterated his commitment to safeguarding both forest lands and the rights of patta landholders. He announced that the Congress government is working to develop Devunuru Hills into an eco-tourism hub, and that Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has directed officials to prepare a detailed project report.