Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s focus on restoration of Musi river and giving relief to Hyderabad city from floods and heavy rains by taking up demolition drives through HYDRA are in a way being appreciated by the people of the city.
But, his sudden focus mainly on `demolition drive’ by pushing his key election promises aside are raising many suspicions. As a head of the elected government he can draw his own priorities and may move ahead. But in the process, ignoring key assurances during the election period reportedly due his inability to raise financial sources is likely to question credibility of the government itself.
Promises like giving Rs. 2500 to women every month under the Mahalakshmi scheme, extension of Rythu Bharosa to tenant farmers, pension increases are yet to be implemented. Congress leaders are admitting that they have been facing severe resentment from farmers even after waiver of farm loans to the extent of Rs 18,000 crore.
Many Congress leaders are of the view that if the government first implements Rythu Bharosa, they may not face discontent from farmers even if loan waiver was delayed. Still loan waiver was implemented hardheartedly.
Though Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is adopting an aggressive approach for restoration of the Musi project, the government is still in dilemma on mobilization of funds for it. The Chief Minister himself said that it involves Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Even Congress leaders wonder why the Chief Minister is bringing a project that needs massive financial resources, at a time the government is unable to take up several poll promises?
Unlike neighbouring AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Revanth Reddy is not in a position to get liberal financial assistance from the central government either. Moreover, before execution of the project, the government has to face severe legal and other challenges with regard to replacement of city dwellers.
Several government infrastructure facilities like central bus station and metro station were laid on the musi. By keeping them intact, asking poor people to vacate legally occupied lands, that too without showing perfect replacement, is said to be a politically unwise adventure for any government.
Moreover, the Chief Minister asking Opposition parties to come up with an Action Plan for the Musi victims, who are losing their homes only reflects bankruptcy of the government in dealing with delicate issues.