Democracy at risk? Ex-MLA questions RRR land seizure

Former MLA Methuku Anand has strongly criticized the state government for arresting farmers who were trying to meet former Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy regarding land acquisition for the Regional Ring Road (RRR) project.

On Monday, farmers from Nawabpet Mandal in Vikarabad district, affected by the RRR project, went to meet the former minister to raise their concerns but were reportedly detained by the police. Speaking on the issue, Anand called the arrests “undemocratic” and said that the government is undermining citizens’ right to approach their representatives with grievances.

Anand emphasized that land acquisition should only take place with the full consent of the farmers, as per the original alignment approved by the central government. He urged the district SP to release the farmers immediately and noted that discussions with Sabitha Indra Reddy provided them some reassurance.

He also criticized the current administration, alleging that land acquisition is being enforced forcibly to serve political agendas and that issuing revenue orders to seize land without farmers’ consent is unjust. Anand questioned whether this is the governance style under the current regime, likening it to a policy of putting “handcuffs on farmers.”

Furthermore, he condemned the arrest of BRS leaders supporting the farmers’ cause, saying it exposes the Congress government’s true face. Anand warned that such actions could have electoral consequences in the upcoming elections.

The protest and related discussions saw the participation of former Chairman Nagender Goud, leaders Bharat Reddy, Vijay, and other BRS members.