Serilingampally, Hyderabad: In a fiery press conference held on Sunday, Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi issued a sensational open challenge to his political rivals, asking them to come for a public debate on the ongoing land dispute allegations against him. Gandhi said he welcomes the HYDRA’s demolition drives against illegal occupation of government lands, but condemned attacks on private properties, calling them “unjust and politically motivated.”
Clarifies on 11 Acres Land Ownership
Addressing the core allegation regarding 11 acres of land, Gandhi clarified that the property was purchased way back in 1991 by nine family members and associates, including former corporator Shobhanadri and members from Nizamabad.
“I haven’t bought any land after entering politics. The 11 acres in question were purchased jointly by our family in 1991,” Gandhi said, adding that he possesses all supporting documents such as pahani, pattedar passbooks, registration papers, and survey maps.
He further stated that when a dispute arose in 2008, the Revenue Department had submitted an affidavit in the High Court confirming the land was private property, and a judgment in 2010 upheld the same.
Blames Political Rivals for False Allegations
Gandhi lashed out at a few BRS leaders, alleging they are spreading false propaganda to tarnish his image.
“Some MLAs are unable to digest my popularity and are feeding lies to KTR. Even KTR mentioned the issue without verifying facts,” Gandhi said, expressing disappointment.
He added that he had disclosed all his property details in his election affidavits in 2014, 2018, and 2024, urging critics to “speak only after verifying facts.”
Counterattack on Rival MLA: ‘How Did You Amass ₹1,000 Crore?’
In a sharp counterattack, Gandhi questioned the source of wealth of a neighboring MLA:
“You started from Jagadgirigutta wearing slippers — now you’re worth over ₹1,000 crore. How did that happen? What business made you so rich?” he asked.
He further accused the rival MLA of encroaching on IDPL lands, manipulating survey numbers, and evading taxes.
“You grabbed IDPL lands, built a school by extending land in Survey No. 166/6, and paid only ₹7 lakh of the ₹30 lakh tax owed to the government,” Gandhi alleged.
Open Challenge and Demand for CBI Probe
Issuing a strong political challenge, Gandhi said:
“If you have courage, come for an open debate — bring your people, bring the media. I’ll come anywhere with all documents.”
He demanded a CBI and ED investigation into the illegal assets of MLAs from 2014 to 2024, saying he is ready for a full inquiry into his own assets.
“Let the central agencies probe everyone — I’m ready. Are you?” he asked.
Questions HYDRA’s Actions on the Poor
While Gandhi welcomed HYDRA’s action against land grabbers, he condemned demolitions that affect poor families, questioning who allowed them to settle there in the first place.
“Who sold those plots to the poor? Who cheated them? Former ministers and speakers should introspect before taking moral high ground,” he remarked.
Promised Expose Soon
In conclusion, Gandhi warned that he will soon reveal detailed evidence of large-scale encroachments in Kukatpally, IDPL lands, Borampet, and Bachupally, stating that he will expose the entire land mafia at a press conference soon.
