Hyderabad:Congress MP Balram Naik, along with MLAs Ramachandru Naik, Balu Naik, and Mandula Samel, strongly criticised BRS leaders on Monday for approaching the SC/ST Commission in Delhi regarding the Lagcharla land acquisition issue. Addressing the media at Gandhi Bhavan, the Congress leaders accused BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao of exploiting SCs and STs for political gain.
Mahbubabad MP Balram Naik alleged that the BRS is misrepresenting facts about the Lagcharla incident. “The BRS is trying to portray the Congress government as forcibly seizing tribal lands. In reality, only 200 acres of the 1,350 acres under acquisition belong to tribals,” he stated.
Naik clarified that land acquisition for development projects is being carried out with farmers' consent and without causing distress. "Out of the 21 people arrested, only seven are tribals, and many involved in the protests don't own land. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ensured compensation is four times the market value," he added.
Government Whip Naik accused BRS leaders, including Rama Rao and Patnam Narender Reddy, of inciting violence. "BRS members disguised themselves as farmers and attacked officials to create unrest. They have a history of mistreating farmers, as seen in Khammam where mirchi farmers were handcuffed. Rama Rao is now using tribals to obstruct development in Kodangal," he claimed.
Naik warned that public anger against the BRS is growing. "Soon, people will hit BRS leaders with sandals for their betrayals," he said, urging Rama Rao to stop exploiting innocent tribals.
Devarakonda MLA Balu Naik accused the BRS of betraying the Lambada community for decades. "For 10 years, KCR and the BRS have done severe injustice to Lambadas. KTR is now provoking them to oppose government projects that will bring jobs and prosperity," he remarked.
He emphasised that establishing an industrial corridor in Lagcharla would benefit tribals through employment opportunities. "KTR doesn't want development; he wants to halt progress to gain political mileage," he alleged.
Thungathurthy MLA Mandula Samel claimed that KTR's visit to the SC/ST Commission was a ploy to cover up his alleged conspiracies. "BRS leaders pre-planned the violence by bringing stones and sticks to Lagacharla to disrupt peace. This is the first time in Telangana's history that officials have been attacked during land acquisition," he noted.
Samel accused BRS leaders of provoking unrest to target Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s leadership. "Revanth Reddy is a force of development and progress. If you touch fire, you will get burnt," he warned.
The Congress leaders appealed for calm and urged the public not to fall for the BRS's alleged provocations. They reiterated their commitment to development and fair compensation for those affected by land acquisition projects.
