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The article details the growing tensions between the Congress government in Telangana and its allies, the CPI and CPM, over various issues. The main points of contention are the demolition of houses by the Hyderabad River Development Authority (HYDRAA) and the implementation of the crop loan waiver scheme.
The CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao expressed strong disapproval of HYDRAA's actions, particularly the demolition of houses belonging to poor residents in areas along the Musi River. He argued that while HYDRAA's efforts to demolish villas and farmhouses owned by influential individuals might be justified, the targeting of poor people's homes was unacceptable. He further pointed out that many of the demolished houses were not located in flood-prone zones, were built on land purchased legally for decades, and had valid documentation, including Encumbrance Certificates. He suggested that instead of demolishing these homes, the government should consider regularizing them under existing government orders (GOMs 58 and 59), providing compensation to homeowners who bought properties from builders and developers.
Adding to the criticism, former CPI MLA Chada Venkat Reddy highlighted flaws in the implementation of the crop loan waiver scheme. He argued that the scheme's stringent conditions, such as the requirement for a white ration card, excluded many farmers from receiving benefits. He further pointed out that the scheme's ceiling limit of Rs. 2 lakh was inadequate, as many farmers' loans, including interest charges, exceeded this amount. He also claimed that banks were not accurately sharing crop loan details with the government, hindering the effectiveness of the waiver program.
The CPM State Secretary, Tammineni Veerabhadram, echoed the concerns about the demolitions, emphasizing the anxieties and fears caused among residents. While acknowledging the importance of environmental conservation, he criticized the government's approach, arguing that the focus on tourism development did not adequately address the underlying environmental issues. He highlighted the health concerns posed by the release of pharmaceutical waste and industrial trash into the Musi riverbed. He urged the government to prioritize these concerns and seek input from various stakeholders, including political parties, intellectuals, and other communities, before taking any further action on demolitions.
The article concludes by suggesting that the disagreements between the Congress government and its Left allies highlight a broader issue of effective policy implementation. While the government claims to address crucial matters such as environmental protection and farmer welfare, its actions are criticized for neglecting the needs and concerns of vulnerable communities. The article suggests that the Congress government must find a balance between its developmental goals and the well-being of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable ones, if it wishes to maintain a strong coalition with its Left allies.
Source: Left parties find fault with Congress government over HYDRAA demolitions and crop loan waiver