Bulldozers on Bhoodan lands kick up political dust

A demolition drive in Velugumatla village, Telangana, left hundreds of families homeless after bulldozers destroyed homes built on land donated by a local landowner for the poor. The Andhra Pradesh Bhoodan Board issued pattas to beneficiaries in 2014, but authorities claim the land was encroached upon and that the demolition was carried out following due process of law. The move sparked outrage from various political parties, including the CPI(M), BRS, BJP, and AAP, who criticized the government's handling of the situation. The displaced families are demanding reconstruction of their homes and compensation for lost property.