GHMC dials in row over iPhones

Hyderabad: GHMC decision to gift brand new iPhone 12 Pro Max (512 GB) to 17 outgoing members has triggered controversy. Given the price which crosses more than Rs 1.5 lakh, it has raised several eyebrows.

The BJP has demanded rollback of the decision which was taken during GHMC standing committee meeting on Thursday. At a time when the GHMC is under severe financial crunch and finding it difficult to pay its staff and contractors, the issue has triggered a row, following the first standing committee meeting after the GHMC elections.

The committee decided to buy brand new Apple IPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB) for each of its 17 outgoing members including Mayor, Deputy Mayor and others who term would be completed in February.

BJP Telangana chief spokesperson K Krishna Saagar Rao said that the BJP denounces the brazen abuse of power and daylight robbery of public money by the TRS-led GHMC Mayor and its standing committee, for gifting themselves iPhone 12 Max Pro costing Rs 27 lakh.

The outgoing members are celebrating by splurging public money. BJP considers it atrocious that even after a slap in the face by GHMC voters recently, TRS has learnt no lessons in responsible governance. BJP warns the GHMC mayor to immediately roll back the resolution, Rao said. 

iPhone decision put on hold

Responding to the controversy, municipal administration and urban development department Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar tweeted "Have spoken with Commissioner GHMC. This decision of the Standing Committee (to buy IPhones) has been put on hold indefinitely."