The Congress party is in turmoil over the ongoing operations of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which initially targeted the structures of the affluent but has now extended to demolishing properties of ordinary citizens. Concerns are rising within the party that these actions could fuel public opposition against them.
A significant faction of party leaders is voicing strong opposition to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s unilateral decisions concerning HYDRAA. Many senior ministers have lodged complaints directly with the party’s high command with some expressing their grievances to the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge. Kharge has reportedly confronted CM Revanth Reddy, reprimanding him for making decisions that could harm both the party and the government without proper consultation.
The controversy centers around the claim that Revanth Reddy made key decisions about HYDRAA without informing other party leaders or ministers. This lack of communication has led to dissatisfaction and a coordinated effort by several leaders to address the issue at the national level. Reports suggest that a senior minister, despite overseeing a department affected by HYDRAA’s policies, has criticized the initiative’s lack of benefits for the common man.
One notable incident involved the demolition of a sports village owned by Anand Pallam Raju, the younger brother of senior Congress leader and former union minister Pallam Raju. Raju’s complaint to Kharge highlighted that the demolition occurred without prior notice. Irked by Revanth’s explanation, Kharge reportedly instructed Pallam Raju to express his grievances publicly on X (Twitter).
Additionally, there are whispers within the party that HYDRAA is being used strategically against certain leaders such as an MLA who owns a popular media house, a key minister, and a minister with close ties to APCC President Sharmila. Revanth Reddy is suspected of targeting this minister to diminish his influence in Delhi, using HYDRAA as a political tool.
The party’s concern is mounting as the HYDRAA’s focus shifts from demolishing high-profile properties to those of the underprivileged. With upcoming GHMC elections, there are fears that these demolitions could further damage the Congress party’s standing. Ministers are reportedly voicing their frustrations with the party high command.