1 week ago
BRS Seeks Revenue Minister’s Removal Over Section 22A Allegations
BRS leader T. Harish Rao has accused Telangana’s Revenue Department of mishandling some private properties.
He says Section 22A was meant to stop registration of legally prohibited properties.
According to his allegations, it was instead used to freeze properties and create disputes over ownership.
He says many properties were affected during updates to land records and the move to the Bhu Bharati system.
The areas mentioned include Hyderabad and nearby districts.
Harish Rao also alleges that some owners were told to use intermediaries to clear their properties.
He says the alleged payments could be as high as 30% of a property’s market value.
He asked Rahul Gandhi to seek the Revenue Minister’s removal.
He also wants an independent investigation to determine whether the allegations are true and who may be responsible.
BRS leader T. Harish Rao urged Rahul Gandhi to seek Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s removal from the Telangana Cabinet.
Harish Rao alleged that Section 22A was used to freeze private properties and create artificial title disputes.
He said private properties, approved layouts and patta lands were classified as prohibited properties during revenue updates and the Bhu Bharati transition.
Harish Rao alleged that owners were pressured to use intermediaries, with demands reportedly reaching 30% of a property’s market value.
He sought an independent judicial and anti-corruption probe, including a district- and survey-number-wise review of properties added to or removed from Section 22A.
- Who
- BRS Deputy Leader T. Harish Rao made the allegations and addressed his demands to Rahul Gandhi; Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were named in connection with the allegations.
- What
- Harish Rao demanded the Revenue Minister’s removal and an independent investigation into the alleged misuse of Section 22A and property-registration procedures.
- Where
- Telangana, including Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy and Sangareddy; Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills and Nizampet were also mentioned.
- When
- The articles do not specify the date; the allegations concern revenue-record updates and the transition to Bhu Bharati.
- Why
- Harish Rao alleges that private properties were improperly placed on prohibited lists and that the restrictions were used to pressure owners and seek illegal collections.
Key facts
- Accuser
- T. Harish Rao, BRS Deputy Leader in the Telangana Legislative Assembly
- Minister named
- Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Telangana Revenue Minister
- Political recipient
- Rahul Gandhi, to whom Harish Rao sent the letter
- Provision at issue
- Section 22A of the Registration Act, 1908
- Alleged payment demand
- Up to 30% of a property’s market value
- Requested investigation
- An independent judicial and anti-corruption probe, potentially led by a retired High Court judge
- Locations mentioned
- Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy and Sangareddy
Quotes
T. Harish Rao
BRS Deputy Leader in the Telangana Legislative Assembly
“"These questions cannot be answered by press statements or routine review meetings. If the allegations are false, an independent enquiry will establish that; if true, those responsible must face the law."”
thehansindia.com
“If state machinery is being used to create pressure on property owners for private gain, it would constitute a serious abuse of governmental power and warrants a comprehensive investigation.”
deccanchronicle.com











