Hyderabad: In a tribute to the enduring legacy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, leaders and citizens continue to draw inspiration from his vision for national unity, marked 34 years ago by his Sadbhavana Yatra. Rajiv Gandhi’s journey aimed at preserving the integrity of the country remains a beacon of hope, with the Congress party reaffirming its commitment to his ideals every year. This year, a special honor was given to senior Congress leader Geetha Reddy, who has been awarded the prestigious Sadbhavana Award for her dedicated service to the people. Geetha Reddy’s decision not to contest in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections highlights her unique approach in a political landscape where many vie for power.
Geetha Reddy’s honor stands in contrast to the ongoing struggle for political dominance, a fight from which she has consciously stepped away. Her announcement to refrain from contesting, despite her years of public service, positions her as a leader who prioritizes public welfare over political ambition.
Amidst this backdrop, the Congress party has reiterated the sacrifices of the Gandhi family, particularly the late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, both of whom laid down their lives for the country. The legacy continued with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, who are credited for refusing the Prime Ministerial post, instead, empowering others to lead. The Congress emphasizes that the poor and disadvantaged sections have benefitted from the policies introduced during the Gandhi family’s leadership.
In the midst of this, there have been rising tensions over the state’s efforts to crack down on land encroachments. The HYDRAA (Hyderabad Urban Development and Regulatory Authority) initiative, which targets illegal construction on government lands and water bodies, has faced fierce opposition from various political forces. These forces, allegedly led by BRS leaders like KTR and Harish Rao, have been accused of attempting to block government initiatives aimed at protecting public lands.
The state government, however, remains firm, with assurances to the real estate industry that HYDRAA will continue its work to protect lakes and nalas from encroachers. The Musi revival project and HYDRAA’s demolition efforts remain separate, despite the opposition’s claims that their assets are under threat. Government officials are calling for transparency, proposing an all-party meeting to address concerns about farmhouses allegedly built on encroached lands.
