In an unexpected development, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has marked the property of actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna for a road widening project near Jubilee Hills checkpost. This move comes as part of a larger infrastructure plan aimed at easing traffic congestion around the KBR Park area. Balakrishna’s property, along with several others, is expected to be partially acquired for the expansion of the road network, which will involve widening a critical stretch in one of the busiest areas of Hyderabad.
GHMC’s Road Widening Initiative
According to reports, GHMC has issued notices to Balakrishna, along with other prominent figures such as Congress leader K Jana Reddy, requesting their consent for the acquisition of parts of their properties. Specifically, 20 feet of Balakrishna’s land is earmarked for the project. The plan is part of the master road development scheme that will stretch across a 6.5-kilometer route, which will connect key areas such as Road Number 12, Banjara Hills junction, and Jubilee Hills Checkpost through KBR Park.
The project aims to increase the road width from the current 50 to 100 feet to 100-120 feet in select areas, ensuring smoother traffic flow. The GHMC has already begun acquiring properties, with 87 properties already secured.
Revanth Reddy’s Firm Stance on Equality
While the road widening project is a vital step in addressing Hyderabad’s growing traffic issues, it has also sparked speculation about Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s approach to governance. Revanth Reddy, known for his no-nonsense leadership style, has made it clear that he intends to enforce the law equally, irrespective of an individual’s social or political stature.
In the past, several influential figures in the state, particularly in the film industry, have enjoyed a degree of leniency in matters of land acquisition and development. However, the recent move to mark Balakrishna’s property for road widening has raised eyebrows. Despite the long-standing camaraderie between Revanth Reddy and Balakrishna, the CM seems undeterred by their personal relationship.
For context, Balakrishna, who has been a prominent figure in both politics and cinema, was one of the first celebrities to greet Revanth Reddy when he assumed the role of Chief Minister. Their association goes back to the early days of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), making this marking a clear sign that Revanth Reddy’s administration is focused on maintaining an egalitarian approach.
A Shift in Government Approach?
This move raises important questions about the evolving dynamics between the Telangana government and the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Balakrishna have previously enjoyed privileges under the BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) regime, where the government’s stance seemed more lenient toward influential individuals. However, with the Congress-led government now in power, it appears that Revanth Reddy is setting a precedent for strict adherence to rules, regardless of an individual’s status or influence.
This shift in government policy is also evident in other recent actions. Allu Arjun, a major figure in Tollywood, was recently involved in a legal issue related to the death of a commoner at Sandhya Theatre, which led to his arrest and release. Additionally, the demolition of Nagarjuna’s N Convention Centre has added to the growing list of measures seen as a push for transparency and equality under the Congress regime.
Revanth Reddy’s ‘One Rule for All’ Message
Ultimately, the marking of Balakrishna’s house for road widening could indeed be seen as a symbolic gesture by Revanth Reddy. It underscores his commitment to maintaining a “one rule for all” policy, where no one, irrespective of their fame or influence, is above the law.
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