BRS Working President K T Rama Rao celebrated Diwali with the families affected by the Sunnam Cheruvu lake area demolitions in Serilingampalli, a suburb in the north western part of Hyderabad.

He expressed solidarity with the victims who had lost their homes in the HYDRA operation initiated by the Congress government to demolish illegal structures encroaching on public water bodies and drainage systems.

HYDRA is an acronym for Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency.

On Monday, KTR visited the area along with former ministers Jagadish Reddy, MLAs Madhavaram Krishna Rao and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, and MLC Shambhipuri Raju. The visit was aimed at extending moral support to the families who have been living without proper shelter since the demolition.

On June 30, houses belonging to poor families in Sunnam Cheruvu were reportedly razed using the Hydra demolition machines. The affected residents, who had been living there for nearly two decades, alleged that despite assurances from the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government to provide double-bedroom houses, no relief has been given so far. Many continue to struggle without homes or means to pay rent.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao said the demolition caused immense suffering, with even children left crying as their homes were torn down.

He recalled that KTR had earlier visited the area to offer assistance to the affected families and criticised the government for failing to extend any help. “KTR is celebrating Diwali with these homeless families to show that BRS stands with the poor. Once back in power, our party will ensure full support to them,” he said.

KTR, interacting with the victims, accused the Congress government of neglecting the poor. “The Congress has robbed the poor and ignored their plight. We have come here to give courage to these families and celebrate Diwali with them so that the government realises their suffering,” he said.

He assured that when the BRS returns to power, every family affected by the Hydra demolitions will be provided with a double-bedroom house. “We will stand by the poor until justice is done,” KTR affirmed.