MA&UD Minister KTR was furious with the cantonment officials for obstructing the urban development of Hyderabad. He warned cantonment officials that we would not tolerate them if they act as they wish. "They behave as if Telangana is a different country and the central government is operating unilaterally. If they close the roads, then, we will stop power and water," the minister warned.
"The cantonment should be cohesive while staying in Hyderabad. But they close the roads at will causing issues to the residents. We will do our best for the people. Water and current will be cut off if required. He informed the assembly that he would direct the Chief Secretary to call the cantonment officials immediately. If they do not listen, we will not hesitate to take severe action," the minister added.
But this reaction of the minister has triggered mixed responses. People living in the cantonment and nearby areas acknowledge that the issue is for real and they are suffering. "It is good that the minister took up the issue in a harsh tone. The Government already reached out to the previous Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the current minister Rajnath Singh on this issue but nothing changed," they say.
Meanwhile, BJP supporters are trying to rake the issue as an anti-national sentiment. "How dare you warn defense authorities who are guarding the country? KTR is trying to appease MIM. Cantonments have vital installations, which are under constant threat of terror attacks. Sometimes Cantonment Boards do take decisions to close or divert roads, which impacts everyone, including those who live inside. But to cut electricity and water? Only tyrants do such things," they allege.