In a significant political development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) has pledged its legislative support to the Telangana government's ambitious long-term development blueprint. MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi formally backed the Telangana Rising-2047 vision during a short discussion in the state assembly on Tuesday.
A Call for Inclusive Partnership in Development
While extending his party's support, Owaisi made a fervent appeal to the state government. He urged that Muslims be made active partners and stakeholders in the 2047 initiative, alongside all other communities. He specifically mentioned Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Dalits, Backward Classes (BCs), Brahmins, and every other section of society.
Emphasizing unity, the MIM leader stated that every citizen of Telangana must be involved in this vision. "Whether one wears a 'tilak' on the forehead or a 'topi' or 'pagdi' on the head, all should work together to carry forward the development of the state and the nation," Owaisi remarked. He stressed that the country's progress should be paramount, suggesting that party ideologies could be set aside for this collective goal. "Real development means everyone should live happily," he added.
Specific Demands and BJP's Counter-Criticism
Akbaruddin Owaisi also presented specific demands to ensure balanced development. He appealed to the government not to neglect the Old City of Hyderabad and to guarantee its inclusion in the Telangana Rising plan. On policy matters, he called for legislation to ban permission for pan shops near schools and colleges. He also demanded the cancellation of licenses for wine shops located in the vicinity of places of worship and educational institutions.
Regarding the Musi river rejuvenation project, the MIM leader offered constructive input. He asserted that for the project to succeed, the government must first separate stormwater drains from the sewerage network. Owaisi concluded by affirming that the MIM would stand with the incumbent government in improving Hyderabad's brand image and achieving the Telangana Rising 2047 goals.
BJP Questions the Government's Record
The discussion also saw critical remarks from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy questioned the government's track record, asking whether Telangana was "rising" in terms of corruption, scams, and land sales. He further queried if 'Telangana Rising' implied failing to implement the six guarantees and other pre-poll promises made by the ruling party.
Reddy urged the government to shift its focus from grand projects like the proposed Bharat Future City to addressing pressing civic issues in the existing urban core. He highlighted problems related to civic infrastructure, traffic, transport, drainage, and drinking water. The BJP leader also alleged that the state government had neglected crucial sectors like education and health.
The assembly debate thus set the stage for the political narrative around Telangana's future, with the MIM offering conditional support and the BJP mounting a sharp critique of the government's current governance model.
