In a surprising move, the Telangana government led by chief minister Revanth Reddy has begun demolishing illegal structures reportedly constructed with Andhra Pradesh public funds in front of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s residence at Lotus Pond in Hyderabad.
Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have commenced the demolition of these structures, which were built for Jagan’s security during his tenure as chief minister.
The structures in question were erected on the road in front of Jagan’s house, with additional rooms built by the staff. The GHMC town planning officials are now removing these encroachments as part of the ongoing demolition drive. In 2019, the Andhra Pradesh government sanctioned Rs. 24,50,000 for security arrangements at YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s residence. This funding, approved through GO.RT number 160, was allocated for installing CCTV cameras and constructing police barracks and other security infrastructure. Specifically, Rs. 12.5 lakhs were earmarked for security systems like CC cameras and a CCTV room, while the remaining Rs. 12 lakhs were intended for building police barracks and toilets.
The demolition has sparked significant political discourse, drawing parallels to events from five years ago. In 2019, when Jagan became the CM of Andhra Pradesh, he ordered the demolition of the “Praja Vedika,” a structure built with public funds at the residence of the then-opposition leader and former CM Chandrababu Naidu, citing it as an illegal construction. Fast forward to the present, with Chandrababu Naidu back in power in Andhra Pradesh and his close ally Revanth Reddy now the chief minister of Telangana, the tables have turned.
The Revanth Reddy administration’s decision to demolish the illegal structures at Jagan’s Hyderabad residence is being seen as a political counteraction, adding to the ongoing political drama in both Telugu States. Interestingly, Revanth Reddy has publicly stated that Jagan did not extend courtesies to him upon his assumption of the chief ministerial role. Additionally, Jagan’s sister, YS Sharmila, currently serves as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress, adding another layer of complexity to the political dynamics. Meanwhile, GHMC officials have cited public complaints from motorists and common citizens who were facing difficulties due to the road encroachment.
These complaints prompted the GHMC to initiate the demolition process. The demolitions are being carried out amidst significant police presence to ensure law and order. The officials have stated that the encroachments and constructions on the road were causing inconvenience to the public, leading to the decision to remove them. More details regarding the demolition process and its implications are expected to emerge in the coming days