BJP confident of winning GHMC mayoral post: state president Ramchander Rao

Telangana BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao has expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure victory in the upcoming Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) mayoral elections. Speaking recently, he urged party workers and leaders to work strategically and intensify their efforts to address local issues while engaging the public effectively.

Ramchander emphasized that citizens are increasingly showing support for the BJP, particularly in local body elections. However, he noted that several areas of Hyderabad still face incomplete development. Narrow streets, water shortages, and poor drainage systems continue to cause inconvenience to residents.

Ramchander strongly criticized the ongoing delimitation exercise carried out by the Congress government, warning that merging new areas into GHMC could increase the tax burden on residents and create administrative and social challenges. He accused the government of using these changes primarily to benefit its ally, the AIMIM, rather than serving the public interest.

Highlighting recurring flooding in several wards during heavy rains, Ramchander stressed the importance of being vigilant and supporting affected communities. He called on BJP cadres to be ready for collective action and to work systematically to address public grievances. He also urged party workers to coordinate efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads, water supply, drainage, hotels, and colonies, in order to secure electoral success.

Ramachander also expressed deep concern over the land dispute involving the historic Kondagattu Sri Anjaneya Temple. He criticized the forest department’s show-cause notices, saying they hurt the sentiments of Hindu devotees. The BJP views such actions as a direct attack on faith and tradition.

The dispute centers on six acres of temple land, which hosts essential facilities such as the annadanam (community kitchen), public toilets, a water plant, a religious school, accommodation for Vedic students, and a dining hall. Ramachander warned that any interference could adversely affect thousands of underprivileged devotees who rely on these facilities.

The forest department claims the land falls under compartment 684 of the Kodimyal Forest Range and requires central approval under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. Notices also cite sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, demanding compliance within 15 days or face legal action. Ramachander criticized the notices for implying that religious structures could be demolished, calling it highly objectionable.

He explained that temple rituals, including circumambulation, vehicle access, and parking, depend directly on the disputed six-acre area, and any restrictions would disproportionately affect poor devotees. Ramachander also criticized the state government for remaining silent on the matter.

Demanding a permanent solution, he urged the state revenue, survey and land records, endowment, and forest departments to clearly define the temple land boundaries. Although the endowment department has proposed providing an alternative eight-acre site in Ramsagar village, Ramachander questioned the motives behind continuing the dispute. He called on the government to act promptly, considering devotees’ faith, religious traditions, and public convenience.