Opposition unites against MIM

Wants Guv to take control over law & order

Hyderabad: In a rare unity, all opposition parties on Wednesday came on to a common platform to request Governor E S L Narasimhan to take Hyderabad's law and order under his control as per the Section 8 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Led by Leader of Opposition in Assembly K Jana Reddy, a delegation comprising representatives of TDP, BJP, YSRCP and Left parties, called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday and apprised him of violent incidents reported during GHMC polling. They alleged that the MIM leaders were given a free hand to attack all their political rivals. The entire election process in Greater Hyderabad, especially in the Old City turned into a farce, they said.

They said that the Governor has powers to take law and order under his direct control when the State Government fails to handle the situation. The leaders informed the Governor about the attack on TPCC chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Leader of Opposition Mohammed Ali Shabbir, and the BJP candidate Yadagiri, MBT leader Amjedullah Khan, journalist Mohammed Mubasshir Khurram and Deputy CM's son Mohammed Azam.

They said the incidents clearly show that not just the opposition but even the ruling party leaders and that too at the level of Deputy Chief Minister were not safe. Later speaking to media persons, Jana Reddy blamed the TRS government for providing a free hand to MIM in parts of the Old City. Demanding arrests of the MIM leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Akbaruddin Owaisi, Reddy cautioned the government that the Hyderabad known for development would lose investment in future.

He said that they would also meet the President, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister over the issue. BJP floor leader Laxman demanded that SC and ST Atrocities Act should be slapped against Akbaruddin Owaisi for attacking a BJP candidate Mahender in the Jangammet division at Falaknuma.

He felt that the TRS was under political pressure from MIM, as the decisions taken by KCR, reflects the policies of the city-based party. Telangana TDP president L Ramana recalled the instances, where ruling TRS itself indulged in attacks against the leaders of other political parties.

He blamed TRS and its men for entering into the polling booth in L B Nagar and beating TDP candidate Narsimha Reddy’s mother, who is presently undergoing treatment in a hospital. The all-party delegation also met State Election Commissioner V Nagi Reddy and sought action against those involved in poll-related violence and violation of Model Code of Conduct.

Earlier, representatives of all political parties, including Telangana TDP President L Ramana, BJP floor leader Dr K Lakshman and MLC N Ramchander Reddy and YSRCP representatives attended an all party meeting called by Jana Reddy in Assembly premises. During discussion, the opposition parties have resolved to fight against the alleged 'goondaism' unleashed by the MIM. They also condemned the TRS Government for not taking stern action against the people who were resorting to violence.