Harish Rao Writes to Rahul Gandhi, Seeks Revenue Minister’s Removal

BRS MLA and former minister T Harish Rao has stepped up his attack on the Telangana government, urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene over alleged misuse of Section 22A and corruption in the Revenue Department. In an open letter, Harish Rao demanded that Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy be removed from the Cabinet over the allegations.

Harish Rao argued that Section 22A was intended to prevent the registration of prohibited properties and should not be used to create disputes around privately owned land. He alleged that several properties with valid HMDA approvals were being arbitrarily brought under the prohibited list across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, Sangareddy and other areas.

According to Harish Rao, the alleged practice has created serious difficulties for property owners seeking to sell, register or develop their land. He claimed that middlemen were demanding commissions of up to 30 per cent of a property's market value for removing properties from the 22A list.

He further alleged that landowners in areas surrounding the Outer Ring Road (ORR) were being pressured into signing 50:50 joint development agreements. Harish Rao questioned the government's inaction despite an earlier statement by Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy that around 40,000 acres in Yadadri district had been brought under Section 22A.

Seeking greater accountability, Harish Rao called for an independent probe by a retired High Court judge into all additions and removals from the 22A list since December 2023. He also sought a forensic audit to examine the process behind the land classifications, the role of intermediaries and any financial transactions linked to them.

The BRS leader also demanded that district-wise 22A lists be made public, arguing that greater transparency was necessary to protect property owners and prevent alleged irregularities.

Harish Rao said the BRS would continue its campaign until those affected by the alleged misuse of Section 22A received justice. His demands put the Revenue Department under renewed political scrutiny as the Opposition seeks answers over the handling of private properties in Telangana.