River Musi can be revived without uprooting families, says BJP chief Ramchander Rao

BJP leader Ramchander Rao advocates for River Musi's revival without displacing families, opposing demolition under the beautification project.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not opposed to the River Musi Beautification project but strongly objects to the demolition of homes belonging to poor and middle‑class families under the pretext of creating ‘Gandhi Sarovar’, asserted Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s State office, he said it was inappropriate for Congress leaders to repeatedly level false allegations on the matter and attempt to mislead the public when the BJP’s stand has been consistent from the beginning.

Mr. Rao said there was no justification for demolishing legally-built houses in localities such as Madhuban Park and Vigneshwar Colony. The Musi River can be cleaned and rejuvenated without displacing residents, he insisted.

Citing the Sabarmati Riverfront project as an example, he said that development there began only after 4,000 economically disadvantaged families living along the river were rehabilitated and provided with alternative housing. “True development is that which does not disrupt people’s lives,” he remarked.

The BJP chief added that the Musi project could be realigned if land was required, ensuring that no local resident is uprooted and no home is demolished. “The river should be cleaned first before taking up any construction work,” he said.

Mr. Rao, a former MLC, also criticised the Congress for ‘creating fear’ among the public by claiming that gas, oil, diesel, and petrol supplies might be disrupted. Although the Gulf conflict may have some impact, the Modi government has taken steps to ensure uninterrupted flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. With nearly 40% of India’s crude sourced from other countries, there is no likelihood of a shortage of domestic gas cylinders, petrol or diesel, he added.