The Telangana BJP appears to be in disarray over the ongoing demolition drive by the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), which targets structures encroaching on Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes and waterways. Various BJP leaders have issued conflicting statements, reflecting a lack of unified stance on the issue.

HYDRAA’s initiative, while disruptive for property owners, has sparked a political conflict. The opposition, while not directly opposing the demolitions, has accused the ruling Congress government of ulterior motives. This political tension escalated following the demolition of actor Nagarjuna’s N Convention Centre, which stood on encroached lake land.

The BJP’s internal discord is evident, with leaders like Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who doubles as party president, struggling to coordinate party activities due to his national responsibilities and his role in the Jammu and Kashmir election. This has left the party without clear direction in Telangana.

Amidst this backdrop, BJP MP N Raghunandan Rao openly supported the demolition drive, calling for the destruction of illegal structures owned by prominent figures, including those affiliated with the ruling and opposition parties. His stance starkly contrasts with that of Eatala Rajender, another BJP MP, who expressed concern over the impact of demolitions on the less affluent, highlighting the government’s inconsistent enforcement policies.

The demolitions have thus not only highlighted the physical overreach into protected zones but have also exposed significant rifts within the BJP as they grapple with their position on governance and accountability in Telangana.