Hyderabad, Feb 11 (NationPress) Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy criticized the recent division of the municipal corporations of Hyderabad, Gajwel, and Nalgonda by the Telangana government, labeling it as illegal. He argued that this division was executed after the Centre issued a notification regarding the Census.

In a media briefing, he mentioned that following the Census notification, a directive was sent out across the nation indicating that revenue villages and wards should remain intact. However, the state government proceeded with the segmentation of the Gajwel, Nalgonda, and Hyderabad municipal corporations, which he deemed a completely unlawful action.

Reddy pointed out that the Census Directorate had explicitly stated that no modifications should occur after December 31, 2025, and until May 2027. He accused the state government of breaching these guidelines.

The BJP leader further asserted that during the ongoing municipal elections, the government transferred numerous IAS officers and staff from various departments in contravention of Election Commission regulations.

He emphasized that the division of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into three separate entities was also against Election Commission protocols.

Reddy alleged that the newly formed corporations included areas situated far from municipal headquarters, which he claimed would result in injustice to impoverished residents of these villages. He noted that the employment guarantee scheme had previously benefitted the rural poor.

According to him, the state government incorporated several villages into the new corporations without a thorough plan or adequate financial resources.

He highlighted that the area of the GHMC established in 2007 covered 650 square kilometers, while the three new corporations collectively span 2,053 square kilometers. However, he insisted that there is no corresponding infrastructure development plan to support this expansion.

Reddy further claimed that the decision to split the GHMC was made unilaterally, without seeking public feedback.

While it was stated that the Outer Ring Road (ORR) would act as the boundary, he pointed out that certain areas were excluded from the ORR while others were included. Significant locations such as the airport, BHEL, and ICRISAT were omitted from the GHMC jurisdiction, he stated.

Additionally, Reddy alleged that the Congress government, under pressure from the AIMIM, included AIMIM strongholds like Rajendranagar and Maheshwaram within the core GHMC area for political motives.

Regarding the municipal elections, Reddy accused the Congress party of distributing money openly, even in the presence of police, at polling booths. He expressed frustration that despite numerous complaints, there was no action taken by the State Election Commission or police authorities.

He observed that it was evident during the campaign that the Congress was encountering significant opposition, while the BRS lacked support. Reddy accused both parties of attempting to sway the elections through financial power and acts of violence.

However, he expressed optimism that the BJP would perform well in the elections.

The Union Minister also mentioned that BJP national president Nitin Nabin expressed profound sorrow over BJP candidate Mahadevappa, who allegedly took his own life in Makthal municipality due to threats and immense pressure from the Congress party.