CM Revanth slams BRS, seeks accountability for Rs 1 Lakh Cr Kaleshwaram project collapse

Hyderabad: Accusing BRS of disintegrating the entire revenue system to evade the law, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday asked whether those responsible for the collapse of the Rs one lakh crore Kaleshwaram project in just three years should be allowed to go scot-free.

The chief minister said his government is determined to bring accountability and restore public trust.

Focus on revenue reforms

He was speaking after handing over appointment letters to newly recruited Gram Panchayat Officers (GPOs).

Revanth Reddy said the Congress government is committed to resolving land disputes and rebuilding confidence through transparent mechanisms.

Sharp attack on the BRS legacy

The CM accused the earlier BRS regime of scrapping the Village Revenue Officer (VRO) and Village Revenue Assistant (VRA) network “to conceal widespread land scams,” and of portraying revenue staff as “criminals” to mask misgovernance. He said the Dharani portal enabled “massive encroachment of valuable lands across Telangana.”

Public anger over Dharani

Revanth Reddy cited stark examples of frustration, including the Ibrahimpatnam incident, where a farmer, unable to secure land ownership, resorted to violence, and a case in Sircilla where a victim threw her mangalasutra at officials.

“This anger was against the Dharani virus, not against honest employees,” he observed.

Bhu Bharathi Act for Transparency

Highlighting a key Congress promise, the Chief Minister said the government has “dumped Dharani in the Bay of Bengal” and ushered in the Bhu Bharathi Act to resolve sada bainama (unregistered) land issues “in a fair, transparent manner.”

He urged the new GPOs to explain to citizens “the wrongs of the past” and implement the Act rigorously.

Call to serve the poor

Revanth Reddy reminded the officers that their mission is to bridge the gap between the government and disadvantaged communities.

“You are partners in Telangana’s statehood journey and in strengthening the people’s government. Protect its image by delivering timely, just solutions,” he told them.

Telangana’s legacy of land movements

Linking reforms to history, the Chief Minister invoked the struggles of Komurambheem, Chakali Ailamma, and Ravi Narayan Reddy, and the Bhoodan Movement, which redistributed thousands of acres to the landless.

“Land rights define Telangana’s identity, and our governance will honour that legacy,” he said.