Hyderabad: Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi has come under the spotlight after actress and activist Karate Kalyani made sensational allegations against her, accusing her of grabbing valuable land in Banjara Hills with the support of the previous BRS government.
According to Kalyani, a 1,500-square yard plot worth crores was allotted and regularized in the Mayor’s name in 2023. She alleged that while the actual market value of the land stood at nearly ₹2 lakh per square yard, the Mayor was allotted the property at a meagre ₹350 per yard. “How could the government allocate land at such throwaway prices to the Mayor’s family? Are they poverty-stricken or freedom fighters to deserve such concessions?” Kalyani questioned.
She also alleged misuse of power, claiming that the Mayor’s family benefited from political influence, while locals and temple committees were denied land. Kalyani pointed out that despite repeated appeals, the historic Peddamma Temple in Banjara Hills, which has existed for over 70 years, was not granted land, whereas the Mayor’s family secured large plots with ease. “When we demand land for the temple, we face police action, house arrests, and attacks. But the Mayor easily gets registration done in her name,” she said.
Karate Kalyani released documents as evidence and demanded that the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government conduct an immediate probe into the matter. She alleged that the previous BRS regime facilitated the land deal for Vijayalakshmi and warned that she would soon expose more irregularities connected to the Mayor.
The issue has gone viral on social media and is drawing strong public reaction. The Mayor is yet to respond, while political circles await the government’s stance on the allegations.