"Universities do not require thousands of acres of land in a democratic country," the Telangana CM said.
Reiterating his resolve to construct two lakh houses for the poor in the twin cities in a phased manner despite hurdles being created by the opposition parties, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today accused the Congress leaders of resorting to "dirty" politics as they didn't want to see change in the lives of the poor.
During his interaction with the denizens of the Parsigutta area as part of Swachch Hyderabad campaign which is in its fourth day today, the Chief Minister, who was along with Excise Minister Padma Rao Goud, sought the people's cooperation to address their problems.
"Universities do not require thousands of acres of land in a democratic country," he said.
Charging the opposition parties with provoking the students to burn his effigies for stating that he would use some of the land of the university to construct houses for the poor, KCR slammed the Congress leaders saying they did not want the upliftment of the poor.
"I will take up development works with people's cooperation, and construct houses, hospitals and colleges, and provide basic amenities, using the available land. Why should we leave thousands of acres to the varsities, golf and race courses, and other entertainment clubs," he asked.
KCR reiterated that he would construct 7,500 houses for the poor in the Secunderabad area. "I will not relent until a work gets completed, and will be unmindful of consequences and hurdles that come in the way," he swore.
The Chief Minister claimed that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sought 500 acres for a horticulture university, had agreed to his suggestion that only 50 acres was enough for the purpose.
KCR said he would certainly make use of such unutilized lands for development activities to ensure that the poor had all amenities.
"For this, I need your support," he remarked.
At Boudhha Nagar, Eshwaribai Nagar, L N Nagar and the adjoining areas, the Chief Minister received petitions from the people and promised to address their problems including housing, drainage nalas, health centers, colleges and other civic amenities.
The Chief Minister asked the police officials to set up a separate police station at Mettuguda by dividing the Chilkalguda Police Station, and set up CC cameras to curb eve-teasing and ensure protection to the women and people.
He said his government would take permanent steps to solve the problem of open nalas and canals in these areas, and asked the officials to take immediate steps to address problems related to the stagnation of storm water on the roads, drinking water and low voltage, bus shelter, CC roads and other amenities.
He also directed the officials concerned to inquire into a land grabbing issue at the Jamia Osmania area. (NSS)