KTR Slams Revanth Reddy’s Defence of HYDRAA After High Court Order, Accuses Agency of Political Vendetta

Hyderabad, July 2026 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao on Tuesday launched a strong attack on Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for defending the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) despite critical observations by the High Court, calling the government’s stand “shameful” and a disregard for judicial authority.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, KTR alleged that HYDRAA had been turned into a tool for political intimidation, selective demolitions and alleged extortion rather than functioning as a lawful agency for protecting public assets.

“Respect the High Court. Respect democracy. A government that refuses to respect judicial institutions has no moral authority to speak about the rule of law,” KTR said, accusing the Chief Minister of undermining democratic institutions by continuing to defend the agency.

The remarks came a day after the Telangana High Court directed the Chief Secretary to replace HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath with another officer. The order was issued while hearing a contempt of court petition filed by a construction company against alleged violations of court directions.

Describing HYDRAA as a “nine-headed monster,” the BRS leader alleged that the agency had become a mechanism for harassment, blackmail and political revenge. He said that if the BRS returns to power, HYDRAA would be abolished on the very first day, claiming that such a move would be in line with the concerns raised by the judiciary.

KTR accused the Congress government of adopting a selective approach in its demolition drives, alleging that HYDRAA targeted ordinary citizens while ignoring alleged encroachments involving influential politicians, ministers, MPs and powerful builders.

Questioning the agency’s functioning, he asked why structures belonging to politically connected individuals in lake beds and Full Tank Level (FTL) areas were allegedly spared while houses of common people were demolished despite legal protections.

The BRS working president accused the Revanth Reddy government of causing widespread distress in Hyderabad in the name of protecting water bodies and public lands. He claimed that despite completing two years in office, the government had failed to fulfil its promise of providing housing but had instead demolished thousands of homes.

KTR further alleged that HYDRAA had become an “extortion mechanism” being used to pressure builders and collect money. He claimed that the earlier Emergency Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) system was merely renamed as HYDRAA and allegedly converted into a tool for coercion and intimidation.

He also reiterated his earlier allegations regarding irregularities in the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) system, claiming that artificial demand was created to benefit certain individuals financially.

Taking aim at the Chief Minister, KTR alleged that Revanth Reddy had repeatedly ignored judicial directions despite facing several contempt proceedings. He said the continued defence of HYDRAA reflected arrogance and a lack of accountability from the state government.

The BRS leader also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of acting as a “secret political ally” of the Congress government in Telangana. He claimed that the BJP was shielding the Chief Minister from allegations related to contracts and corruption involving his relatives.

KTR further questioned the alleged inaction of the BJP-led Union government despite Enforcement Directorate raids on Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. He alleged that the Centre had failed to take decisive action despite such developments.

“There is no need for us to seek political engagement with Revanth Reddy. Our fight is against his anti-people government, and we will continue to stand with the people of Telangana,” KTR said.

The sharp criticism from the BRS leader adds to the growing political confrontation in Telangana over HYDRAA’s demolition drives and its role in protecting government lands, lakes and other public assets. The Congress government has defended the agency’s actions, stating that it was created to safeguard Hyderabad’s environment, prevent illegal constructions and protect the city’s long-term interests.