22A controversy: BRS launches legal aid cell, seeks CID probe

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) opposition party in Telangana has launched a legal aid cell, offering free assistance to those affected by their properties being listed as 22A prohibited lands. BRS leaders, including Deputy Floor Leader T. Harish Rao, have demanded a CID inquiry into what they term a 22A "scam" and called for the dismissal of Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy if Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy did not have a role in the alleged irregularities.

Harish Rao announced the initiative at a meeting with 22A land victims in Telangana Bhavan, assuring them of the party's support until their issues were resolved. He warned victims against selling their properties at distress prices and paying commissions due to fear. BRS MLAs pledged to address the concerns with officials and Collectors and demanded the removal of wrongly included lands from the 22A list, particularly in cases like Ameenpur KSR Colony where 500 houses were affected despite a Supreme Court verdict.

Harish Rao cited a report of 40,000 acres in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district being added to the 22A list and accused Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy of raising the issue with the Chief Minister.