The HYDRAA demolitions in Hyderabad have intensified political tensions between the Congress party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). While Congress supports the demolitions citing illegal structures, AIMIM views them as a targeted attack on their voter base. This issue highlights the evolving political landscape and strained relations between the two parties.
The recent activities of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) have become a focal point of political tension in Hyderabad, particularly between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM).
HYDRAA’s campaign against illegal constructions, including those on lake beds and government land, has led to significant political ramifications and has exposed underlying tensions between these two parties, traditionally considered rivals within the political landscape of Hyderabad.
Background of HYDRAA’s Actions
HYDRAA, established by the Telangana government, has been proactive in identifying and demolishing illegal structures, particularly those encroaching on public lakes, parks, and nalas. Within a span of just two months, the agency demolished 166 structures and reclaimed around 44 acres of land.
These demolitions have affected properties owned by various influential individuals, including members of different political parties, bureaucrats, and business leaders. Notably, structures belonging to AIMIM leaders and Congress affiliates were also targeted.
Congress’s Stance and Political Moves
The Congress party, under the leadership of Revanth Reddy in Telangana, has been vocally supportive of HYDRAA’s actions. Reddy emphasized that these demolitions are part of a larger strategy to preserve Hyderabad’s environmental integrity and are not driven by political vendettas.
Reddy even went on to publicly challenge the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and AIMIM by stating that he would support demolitions of properties owned by his own family if found to be in violation of environmental norms. This stance has positioned the Congress as a party committed to anti-corruption and environmental conservation, aiming to consolidate public support ahead of upcoming elections.
AIMIM’s Response and Opposition
In stark contrast, AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has strongly opposed the formation and actions of HYDRAA. AIMIM leaders have labeled the agency as an “illegal” entity, arguing that its formation bypassed necessary legislative discussion and infringed on the rights of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
AIMIM representatives have approached the Hyderabad Mayor and other city officials to argue against HYDRAA’s operations, asserting that the demolitions unfairly target minority communities and are politically motivated. This resistance suggests that AIMIM perceives HYDRAA’s activities as a threat not only to its political stronghold in Hyderabad but also to its base of support among local constituents who may feel targeted by these demolitions.
Political Ramifications and Future Outlook
The ongoing demolitions have intensified the political rivalry between the Congress and AIMIM in Hyderabad. For the Congress, HYDRAA’s actions provide a platform to project itself as a reformist party, willing to take tough decisions for the greater public good, even at the cost of alienating powerful individuals within its ranks. The endorsement of HYDRAA’s actions allows the Congress to attract urban voters concerned about environmental degradation and corruption.
Conversely, AIMIM’s opposition to HYDRAA positions the party as a defender of its traditional voter base, which consists mainly of minority communities that might be adversely affected by the demolitions.
AIMIM’s stance can be seen as an attempt to rally its supporters around the narrative of governmental overreach and protectiveness over community interests. By challenging the legality of HYDRAA, AIMIM is aiming to showcase itself as a formidable political force that prioritizes the rights and representation of its constituents.
More teeth for HYDRA
The state government, which appears to be determined to go ahead with the demolition of all illegal structures on lakes and water bodies, has decided to streamline the process by giving greater teeth to the HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Authority). At present, the Irrigation department, GHMC, Municipal Administration Department, Panchayat Raj, WALTA and other departments are issuing notices to the alleged encroachers regarding the removal of structures on ponds, lakes, parks and government places, and this is causing some kind of confusion, and this could derail the process as some are approaching the courts opposing the notices.
To avoid this, the Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration department) has been directed to finalise the procedure for all eviction notices to be issued by HYDRA within ORR limits. All notices and evictions issued by the GHMC, Land Encroachment Act, Land Grabbing Act, WALTA Act, Irrigation Department will be brought under the jurisdiction of HYDRA.
Additional officers and staff needed by HYDRA will also be allotted soon. The FTL, nala encroachment, government vacant plots and conservation of parks will also be brought under the purview of HYDRA. As many as 72 teams have been formed under HYDRA and officers and staff from the Police, Survey and Irrigation departments will be assigned immediately to strengthen it. Conservation of Gandipet and Himayat Sagar lakes will also be brought under the purview of HYDRA from the Water Board, according to officials.
Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari on Thursday held a high-level meeting attended by DG Intelligence Shivdhar Reddy, Additional DG Law and Order Mahesh Bhagwat, Secretary to Irrigation department Rahul Bojja, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, Additional Advocate General Rajinikanth Reddy and ACB Director Tarun Joshi and discussed the modalities to be adopted to strengthen HYDRA and give it the status of an independent body.
This move will help in intensifying the demolition of illegal structures constructed in the encroached lakes, water bodies and government lands. The preservation of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, which were being managed by the Hyderabad Water Board would also come under the jurisdiction of HYDRA. In a step forward, HYDRA will also be delegated powers to take disciplinary action against the officials who gave permission to construct the houses and other establishments in the prohibited areas.
Meanwhile, the political dynamics between Congress and AIMIM post-HYDRAA demolitions highlight the intricate balance of power and community interests in Hyderabad. While Congress looks to solidify its stance as a party committed to reform and environmental conservation, AIMIM remains vigilant against perceived threats to its political influence and the well-being of its constituents.
The future of this political rivalry will likely be shaped by public reaction to the demolitions and each party’s ability to effectively communicate its narrative to the voters of Hyderabad. As the situation unfolds, the political landscape of Hyderabad could witness significant shifts, with broader implications for state and national politics.
This evolving scenario suggests that the Congress-AIMIM relationship in Hyderabad will continue to be complex, marked by both strategic opposition and the occasional need for political pragmatism. The outcomes of these developments will be keenly observed as they may set a precedent for similar actions and political responses in other parts of India. #hydkhabar
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