Congress Launches Election Campaign In Old City From Charminar

"The upcoming Assembly elections will mark the beginning of a new era for the Old City of Hyderabad, with the Congress poised to win the Charminar seat," declared Charminar candidate Mujeebullah Shareef after kicking off his election campaign in the presence of Hyderabad District Congress Committee (DCC) President Sameer Waliullah and other senior leaders.

In a demonstration of strength, Shareef embarked on a padayatra through the constituency, traversing through Hussaini Alam, Jalal Kucha, Khurshid Jah ki Devdi, Jamia Nizamia, Mahboob Chowk and Moosa Bowli. The event saw the participation of Mahila Congress Hyderabad President Sunitha Rao, youth leader Aslam Shareef and other prominent leaders, and witnessed a remarkable turnout. Over 100 activists from the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and other parties also joined the Congress during the yatra. All along the way, the Congress leaders and workers engaged with residents, visiting around 500 households and urging them to vote for the Congress in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to media persons later, Shareef emphasized the political and historical significance of the Charminar constituency. "The localities surrounding Charminar were once home to seven magnificent palaces built by the Qutb Shahi rulers. These structures were demolished by Aurangzeb, leaving the area in ruins. Later, the Asaf Jahis resurrected the area with royal buildings, including the Khilwat and Chowmohalla palaces. Today, these sites serve as major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe. Unfortunately, due to the incompetence of the MIM leaders, this historic area has become one of the most neglected places in the State," he lamented.

Shareef also elaborated on his extensive year-long survey to identify the specific problems afflicting each division of the Charminar constituency. "I have been engaging with residents, offering tailored solutions to their unique challenges. Additionally, the Congress's six guarantees, including the provision of Rs 500 gas cylinders, will directly benefit the underprivileged residents of the constituency. I will intensify my campaign, striving to connect with every voter across the constituency," he said.

He highlighted the widespread resentment against incumbent MIM MLAs. "Anti-incumbency sentiment has reached fever pitch. In the last elections, MIM President Asaduddin Owaisi needed to to swap the constituencies of Chaminar MLA Mumtaz Khan and Yakutpura MLA Ahmed Pasha Quadri. This time he has been compelled to drop both MLAs altogether. However, these changes will not alter the outcome. The Congress is poised to make history by capturing the Charminar seat," he declared.

Hyderabad DCC president Sameer Waliullah added, "We have received an overwhelming response from the people, who are deeply frustrated with the MIM's dismal performance. The Old City has been plagued by a lack of development for decades. The residents are deeply concerned about the absence of basic amenities and the severe traffic congestion caused by inadequate road infrastructure. We have assured them that the next Congress government will address their needs and resolve all outstanding issues."

Attacking the MIM and its leadership, Waliullah said, "While the people of the Old City have remained impoverished and backward, the Owaisi brothers have amassed untold wealth due to their political influence. Neither Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi nor the MIM MLAs or corporators have bothered to visit the local people in recent years, and have completely ignored their grievances. We have pledged to address their concerns once the Congress wins the next elections. We have emphasized to them that their situation would not improve unless they made informed political choices and elected competent representatives."