Hyderabad, 18 December 2024 (Patriotic Views): In a sharp critique of the Congress government, BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha accused the ruling party of deceiving the public and the legislature over the Musi River Beautification Project. Addressing the media, MLC Kavitha presented explosive documents highlighting the Congress government’s contradictory statements and alleged hidden agendas regarding the project.

MLC Kavitha revealed that the Congress government submitted Detailed Project Report (DPR) proposals to the World Bank on September 19, 2024, asserting that the DPRs were ready. However, just weeks later on October 4, the government issued a Government Order (GO) allocating ₹160 crore to a consortium of firms—Meinhardt Consultancies, Cushman & Wakefield India, and RIOS Design Studios—for preparing the same DPR. In a baffling turn, the Congress government denied the existence of the DPR in the Telangana Assembly on December 17.

“Is the Congress government misleading Telangana? Why is there so much secrecy surrounding this project?” MLC Kavitha questioned, accusing the government of feeding false information to the Assembly, the World Bank, and the public.

Accusations of Mass Displacement and Real Estate Focus

Kavitha further alleged that the Musi Riverfront Development Project, under the guise of rejuvenation, aims to displace over 16,000 families residing along the river. She claimed that the true intention behind the project is to pave the way for commercial ventures such as malls and real estate projects, benefiting private entities rather than focusing on ecological restoration or public welfare.

The BRS leader criticized the Congress government for planning to secure a massive ₹4,100 crore World Bank loan, raising concerns over Telangana’s financial future. “₹1.28 lakh crore loans are already burdening the state. Why is the Congress mortgaging Telangana’s future with foreign loans?” she asked, pointing out that the BRS government never resorted to World Bank loans during its decade-long rule.

Contradictions in Funding and Project Cost

MLC Kavitha questioned the project’s feasibility, highlighting its staggering estimated cost of ₹1.5 lakh crore, over 50% higher than the Ganga River Cleaning Project. She criticized the Congress government for failing to allocate even 1% of the budget towards the project while making contradictory statements to stakeholders.

Kavitha also revealed that the Congress government submitted a separate proposal to the Centre seeking ₹14,000 crore for the same project, exposing further inconsistencies. She accused the ruling party of prioritizing real estate interests over the needs of the displaced families and demanded clarity on land acquisition plans along the 55-km Musi River stretch.

Demands for Transparency and Public Consultation

Calling for immediate transparency, MLC Kavitha demanded that the Congress government disclose the DPR, funding plans, and land acquisition details to the public and opposition. She warned that failure to do so would result in a privilege motion being filed in the Telangana Assembly.

“Whose interests are they serving—the people of Telangana or real estate sharks? This government must stop its lies and present the facts before the people,” Kavitha stated firmly.

BRS’ Stand with the People

Reaffirming the BRS party’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Telangana’s citizens, MLC Kavitha vowed to oppose any attempt to displace families without fair compensation. She criticized the Congress for betraying public trust and accused it of prioritizing hidden agendas over genuine development.

“This is not development; it is deception,” Kavitha concluded. “We will not allow the Congress government to mortgage the future of Hyderabad or its people’s rights. The BRS will fight for the people living along the Musi riverbed and ensure their voices are heard.”

The explosive revelations and stern warnings by MLC Kavitha have put the Congress government on the defensive, raising serious questions about the Musi Riverfront Project’s intent, transparency, and impact on Telangana’s future.