KTR slams minister Jupally Krishna Rao over harsh treatment of Dalits in Kollapur land issue

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao strongly condemned Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao for his harsh response to Dalits protesting the acquisition of their land in Jataproli village, Kollapur constituency.

The Dalits had come to demand justice, opposing the Congress government’s plan to acquire their land for the construction of an integrated Gurukul school.

KTR criticised the minister for his cruel behaviour, questioning whether such ruthlessness was necessary against people seeking justice. "The Dalits never asked for your land, they only asked to protect the land previously given to them," KTR remarked. He warned that continued oppression could spark a revolt and reminded Jupally that the same Dalits would hold the Congress government accountable for its actions.

On Tuesday, the Dalit families, including Kishtanna, Pentayya, Balayya, and others, claimed that the eight acres in survey number 508 were previously granted to them by Raja Jagannath Rao, a former ruler of Jataproli. However, when the Dalits approached the minister seeking justice, they were allegedy met with threats and were dismissed by security. Expressing their grief, the Dalits said they had been ignored despite their peaceful plea.