Hyderabad: Targeting the MLAs who benefit from the Rythu Bandhu scheme, Panchayati Raj Minister Dhanasari Anasuya (Seethakka) made a significant statement on Tuesday. She said her parents received Podu lands not because of KCR’s generosity but due to the Forest Rights Act, established by the former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
The Minister responded to a comment made by BRS legislator Anil Jadhav. During a discussion on demands, Jadhav claimed that even the Podu lands acquired by Seethakka’s parents were given by former CM KCR.
Seethakka clarified that her parents were eligible for Podu lands according to the 2006 Forest Rights Act. She emphasized that Tribals are entitled to 10 acres of land. This entitlement, she said, was due to their rights and not KCR’s mercy. She pointed out that the BRS government made decisions on Podu lands just before elections.
The Minister also highlighted that some MLAs continue to receive Rythu Bandhu benefits. She noted that Anil Jadhav had previously been a part of the Congress before moving to the BRS. Seethakka stated that SCs and STs received their dues because of the Congress party and that Anil Jadhav became an MLA thanks to Indira Gandhi.
She criticized the BRS government for not effectively arguing for the 10 percent reservation in court and failing to provide a 12 percent reservation for minorities. Seethakka also mentioned that the Podu lands were granted by Sonia Gandhi and PM Manmohan Singh.
Addressing Jadhav’s comments, Seethakka clarified that the government had allocated Rs 2,000 crore in the budget for the Dalit Bandhu. She asserted that it is incorrect to say nothing was allocated.
Earlier, Jadhav accused the Congress of coming to power with deceptive promises. He argued that the budget allocation showed no scope for fulfilling the promises made to the people. He also mentioned that KCR had kept his promise to Tribals by providing ‘pattas’ to 6.7 lakh acres of Podu lands.
