Telangana BJP Leaders Plan Protests Over Alleged Land Scams

Hyderabad, India Aug 27, 2026 ALN: Accusing the state government of perpetrating a land scam worth lakhs of crores, BJP leaders in Telangana have threatened to storm the Assembly if corrective measures are not initiated to remove private properties from the Section 22-A prohibited list. This development comes amidst a growing concern over land ownership rights and the implications of government regulations on private property in the state.

Party MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, along with affected property owners, are set to stage protests at Indira Park on September 5 and 6. The protests are intended to draw public and media attention to what the BJP describes as a misuse of legislative power that has adversely affected many landowners in the region. BJP Legislature Party leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy has called for a white paper on the status of lands included in the list, demanding transparency and accountability from the state government.

Addressing the media at the state party headquarters on Wednesday, Reddy stated, “The Congress government has resorted to a scam worth lakhs of crores using the Sec 22-A provision. The chief minister and revenue minister are answerable to the people on this issue. There is misuse of power in including and removing lands.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment among opposition parties that the current government has not only failed to protect the rights of landowners but has also engaged in practices that undermine the rule of law.

Section 22-A of the Telangana Land Revenue Act is a provision that allows the government to prohibit the registration of certain lands to prevent illegal transactions and encroachments. However, critics argue that this provision has been misused to target legitimate landowners, particularly in urban areas where land values have skyrocketed. Reddy's comments underscore the contention that the provision has been weaponized against private property owners, leading to significant financial losses and uncertainty regarding land ownership.

He further alleged, “Lands worth Rs 15,000 crore were transferred to benami companies of revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. This amounts to misuse of his ministerial position.” The term "benami" refers to transactions where property is held by one person while the actual owner is another, often used to circumvent legal restrictions or evade taxes. Such allegations, if proven true, could have serious legal implications for those involved and could lead to calls for further investigations into land transactions across the state.

Reddy also claimed that Congress MLAs have stated that Rs 200 crore bribes are being sent to New Delhi every month. “Holding a copy of the Constitution in hand and going around the country will not serve any purpose. An investigation by the CBI or a sitting judge should be ordered to find the truth,” he demanded, insisting that Srinivasa Reddy be removed from his position as revenue minister. This assertion of corruption at high levels of government adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama in Telangana, suggesting that the land issue is intertwined with broader allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Meanwhile, state BJP president N Ramachander Rao noted that around 60-70 percent of the people in the city outskirts are affected by this issue. After meeting with affected property owners, he mentioned that lands bought by the middle class in Kukatpally and 1,100 acres in Arutla village were included in the prohibited list overnight. This sudden inclusion has caused widespread panic and frustration among landowners who fear losing their investments without due process. Rao's comments highlight the significant socio-economic impact of the government's actions on ordinary citizens, particularly those from the middle class who may not have the resources to navigate complex legal challenges.

The BJP's call for the government to restore the status of these lands prior to the introduction of the Dharani portal is significant. The Dharani portal was launched by the Telangana government as a digital platform for land registration and management, aimed at streamlining processes and reducing corruption. However, the BJP argues that the implementation of this system has led to unintended consequences, including the wrongful classification of private properties as prohibited lands.

The implications of these developments extend beyond political posturing. If the BJP follows through on its threat to storm the Assembly, it could lead to heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, potentially disrupting legislative proceedings. Additionally, the protests may galvanize public support for the BJP, particularly among those who feel disenfranchised by the current government's policies.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Telangana government will respond to these allegations and protests. The demand for a white paper on land status and calls for an independent investigation could put pressure on the government to address the concerns of landowners and restore public trust in its ability to manage land-related issues fairly and transparently. In the long term, the outcome of this political battle may influence not only the BJP's standing in Telangana but also the broader discourse on land rights and governance in India.