MIM Exploiting Old City Voters, Alleges Hyderabad DCC President

Hyderabad, September 29: Hyderabad DCC President Sameer Waliullah has accused the MIM of exploiting the poor people of the Old City of Hyderabad for decades by inciting religious feelings and diverting attention from their failures.

He alleged that the MIM leaders have created an atmosphere wherein people are asked to vote for them without asking any questions about their performance. Consequently, the majority in the Old City continue to struggle with poverty, while, he alleges, the Owaisi brothers accumulate wealth. Waliullah contends that MIM President Asaduddin Owaisi is recycling old strategies to confront the Congress party, which envisions a positive change in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sameer Waliullah, in a media statement on Friday, described Asaduddin Owaisi, the ‘crorepati leader’ elected by Hyderabad’s poor people, as a covert ally of the BJP. He alleged that Owaisi challenged Rahul Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha election from Hyderabad to appease Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Waliullah highlighted that the world recognizes Rahul Gandhi’s battles against the BJP and that BJP affiliates are constantly trying to defame him.

The Congress leader argued that the MIM, like the BJP, is using inflammatory and irrelevant statements to divert attention from its failure to bring development in the Old City. He highlighted the Congress’s proactive initiatives and the influx of senior leaders from other parties, including the MIM. He also noted the vibrant enthusiasm among the young party cadre and suggested that Owaisi, sensing a tough election, is using his challenges to Rahul Gandhi as a distraction.

Sameer Waliullah argues that Owaisi’s actions are driven by two frustrations: the public’s growing awareness of the MIM’s symbiotic relationship with the BJP, and the opposition parties’ exclusion of the MIM from alliances due to its perceived affiliations with the BJP. He suggests that Owaisi’s challenges to Rahul Gandhi are desperate attempts to gain media attention, given his inability to openly confront the BJP and the BRS.

The Hyderabad DCC President challenged Owaisi’s appeal for Muslim votes for the BRS, questioning the rationale of supporting a party that has failed to deliver on its promises to the Muslim community. He also challenged Owaisi to explain why the Old City of Hyderabad remains backward, despite his decades-long rule.

Sameer Waliullah pointed out that the MIM has been Assembly elections from the OldCity since 1969, and has held the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat since 1984. He argued that the people of the Old City have always voted for the MIM in the municipal elections, but have only been met with disappointment. He urged Owaisi to explain the contributions of the MIM’s elected representatives to the people and the development they have brought about in their regions.

The Congress leader accused Asaduddin Owaisi of blaming the previous government for the backwardness of the Old City, while the MIM has cozied up to every ruling party. He pointed out that the MIM initially supported the Congress, and received approvals for a medical college, engineering college, Darulsalaam Bank, and other assets. However, these institutions have become money-making machines, and the MIM has never disclosed their financial details to the public.

Sameer Waliullah also noted that the MIM supported the Telugu Desam Party when it came to power, joined the UPA when the Congress came to power in 2004, and sat on the lap of the TRS when it came to power in 2014. He asked why the MIM, which has had friendly relations with all the ruling parties, has not been able to bring development to the Old City. He also pointed out that the MIM has not been able to get metro rail connectivity to the Old City.

He accused the Owaisi family of preventing the poor Muslims of Hyderabad from prospering. He alleged that they have used their close ties to the ruling party to enrich themselves, while the people they represent remain impoverished.

In 2004, Asaduddin Owaisi’s assets were worth only Rs. 39 lakh. Fifteen years later, they had increased to Rs. 13 crores. In the first five years of the BJP-BRS government, his assets have tripled. Similarly, he pointed out that Akbaruddin Owaisi, the floor leader of the MIM, had assets worth Rs. 4 crore in 2004. In 15 years, his assets increased sixfold, reaching Rs. 24.53 crore in 2019. In just four years of the BJP-BRS government (2014-2019), his assets more than tripled. The fresh affidavits of the 2023 & 2024 elections will show how much more their wealth has increased, he said.

While Sameer Waliullah acknowledged the legitimacy of earning money through proper channels, he questioned whether the wealth and assets of the general population of the Old City have increased at a comparable rate, highlighting the stark economic disparities and social imbalances that persist.

Citing various reports, Sameer Waliullah pointed out that, “23% of Hyderabadi people are poor; Almost 13% of the population of Old City falls in Below Poverty Line (BPL) category; 4.3 lakh BPL people in Telangana live in the core city area; 16% of children in Hyderabad did not attend schools due to poverty; Only 6.1% of Muslims living in slums of Hyderabad have salaried jobs; The rate of illiteracy among children of 6-14 years is 22.1%, while the rate among children of 15-21 years is 46%; Nearly 84% of Muslims have house area less than 100 sft; Old City has the highest population of unemployment people in the entire Telangana,” he said.

He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and effective interventions which can be brought only if the Congress party comes to power in Telangana

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