Sridhar Babu refutes KTR’s allegations on Kancha Gachibowli lands, accuses BRS of obstructing development and welfare

Minister Sridhar Babu refutes BRS claims on Kancha Gachibowli lands, questions KTR's allegations, and criticizes BJP's double standards.

In a strong rebuttal to the claims of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on the 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli lands, Information Technology and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu has reiterated that the land belongs to the government, and even the Supreme Court’s verdict was clear on that

Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday, the Minister faulted the BRS working president for his comments on the ownership of the land despite the Supreme Court’s verdict. Does that mean the BRS would consider the court’s decision wrong, he asked? Finding fault with KTR for his comments on the transfer of the land to Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIISC), he said, “The transfer of government land to a particular wing of the Revenue department usually happens through a proceeding given by the concerned District Collector following the issuance of a Government Order (GO), which is done after the Cabinet’s decision.” He accused the former minister of misleading people by making false arguments on the land alienation process.

Mr. Sridhar Babu also clarified that the government had followed all existing procedures and rules in raising funds through debentures. The government raised ₹9,995 crore through bonds on December 5, 2024, with an interest rate of 9.35 percent, through 37 firms, including foreign mutual fund companies. In contrast, BRS secured loans at a higher interest rate of 10.09 percent. The funds raised were utilised for government welfare schemes, including crop loan waiver (₹2,146 crore), Rythu Bhrosa ( ₹5,463 crore) and payment of bonus for fine variety of paddy grain ( ₹947 crore). “Does the BRS want to oppose these initiatives aimed at the welfare of farmers?” he asked.

Mr. Sridhar Babu refuted allegations related to the payment of commission to the agency involved in raising funds, stating they paid commission as per norms. “The BRS government also paid commission to restructure loans during its regime,” he added. “KTR’s claim that ₹5,200 crore worth of land was shown as ₹30,000 crore is completely false. As a former minister of ten years, he should be well aware of the facts before making such allegations,” the Minister said.

Accusing the BRS of spreading false information about the presence of animals like deer and elephants, Mr. Sridhar Babu criticised the Opposition parties for creating AI-generated false pictures and videos. He also showed the pictures of deer shot in Visakhapatnam and some other state and how they were shared as deer suffering in Gachibowli land. After being exposed of how they wanted to damage Telangana’s interests with fake pictures and videos, KTR has started a new series of fake claims, he charged.

Highlighting the clearance of 8,000 acres of forest land for the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project during their tenure, he questioned their environmental concerns. Mr. Sridhar Babu also accused the previous BRS government of arbitrarily handing over government lands to favoured individuals.

He also criticised the BJP leaders for their comments on the Musi River rejuvenation project, pointing out their double standards on relief and rehabilitation measures. He suggested that they get full information on the Sabarmati River development project in Gujarat, which is under BJP rule, before making comments on Congress government with regard to the Musi River project.