The Congress government, which is facing public opposition to the Musi River rejuvenation project, has devised a new strategy to gain support amid growing protests. Both the BRS and BJP have criticized the demolition of houses under the guise of development, and even within the Congress party, dissenting voices are rising.
Protesters are actively opposing the project from the river’s source through Hyderabad. To counter this resistance and address court cases, it is reported that the Revanth government is now looking to gather support from the people in Nalgonda, downstream of the Musi river.
As part of this effort, the Congress government has launched awareness tours aimed at promoting the project, though public response has been lukewarm. Congress party leaders have directed representatives to actively engage with people in Nalgonda and Yadadri Bhongir districts, organizing large gatherings to gather support.
A recent event in Nagole, designed to rally support, saw a low turnout, leaving Congress leaders reconsidering their approach. Consequently, the Congress has planned a series of padayatras and awareness programs within the Musi River basin.
Orders have been given to hold meetings of at least 10,000 people over the coming days, with an ambitious goal of a rally with one lakh people in Nalgonda within a week, expected to be joined by CM Revanth Reddy. Critics argue that this approach aims to overshadow the resistance upstream with new rallies downstream.