Article Today, Hyderabad:
A district-level incident in Telangana has triggered sharp political and public debate after a Collector allegedly acted promptly on a request from an Andhra Pradesh Minister while ignoring repeated instructions from his own State Minister. The episode has intensified discussions over bureaucratic accountability and the limits of ministerial influence in the State.
Phone Call Sparks Controversy
The controversy originated in a district of the erstwhile Warangal region, where a film industry professional had reportedly applied on the Dharani portal to rectify land details. Despite multiple follow-ups and even a direct request from the concerned Telangana Minister, the issue remained unresolved for weeks. However, the Collector allegedly expedited the process immediately after receiving a call from an Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Minister. The incident, now widely discussed in bureaucratic and political circles, has raised concerns over officers’ selective responsiveness and cross-State influence on Telangana’s administrative machinery.
Dharani Portal Issues Resurface
The episode has once again brought the contentious Dharani land management portal into focus. Introduced during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, Dharani was intended to digitise land records and streamline transactions. However, delays, data errors, and allegations of corruption have persisted. The present Congress government rebranded the initiative as “Bhoomata,” promising transparency and faster processing. Yet, citizens continue to face long delays in document verification and mutation. Critics argue that the Collector’s selective action highlights systemic flaws in the portal’s functioning and points to the continuing administrative inertia.
Ministers Question Bureaucratic Conduct
State Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who has been overseeing land administration reforms, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the incident. Party insiders indicate that several Ministers are frustrated by what they see as a growing disregard for ministerial directions by senior officials. Observers suggest that the episode reflects a deeper structural issue—where bureaucrats wield disproportionate influence and often bypass elected representatives. The perception that an Andhra Pradesh Minister’s call carried more weight than that of a Telangana Minister has further inflamed political sensitivities.
Public Reaction and Administrative Concerns
The issue has also sparked discontent among citizens who accuse officials of favouritism and neglect. Local residents have reportedly demanded immediate clearance of pending applications, sarcastically suggesting that they too might need to seek intervention from Andhra Pradesh leaders.The growing involvement of Andhra-based political figures in Telangana’s administrative matters has raised questions about jurisdictional propriety and the autonomy of the State’s governance. Some IAS officers are alleged to maintain close ties with leaders from neighbouring States, a claim that opposition parties say undermines the authority of Telangana’s government.
Government Response Awaited
The Telangana government has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. However, senior Congress leaders have privately acknowledged the need to address public concerns and ensure bureaucratic accountability. Analysts warn that if the government fails to take swift corrective measures, the issue could erode public trust and damage the administration’s credibility. The controversy, they note, comes at a time when the Congress government is under pressure to demonstrate efficiency and integrity in handling sensitive governance reforms such as the Dharani system.
