Zahed Ali Khan's son Amer Ali Khan joins YSRC

Hyderabad: In a significant development in old city politics, Amer Ali Khan, son of TD politburo member Zahed Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat Urdu daily, joined the YSRC on Thursday.

There is a delicate web of relations that this development could disrupt. Zahed Ali Khan had contested against MIM?president Asaduddin Owaisi from Hyderabad in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

But Owaisi has announced on several occasions that Jagan Mohan Reddy was a very good friend. Thursday’s development is said be an indication of relations straining between the two.

According to sources, Amer Khan was admitted in the backdrop of the MIM’s decision to contest from the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat.

Apparently, the YSRC had decided on fielding its candidate from Secunderabad, and expected the MIM to leave the path clear. The MIM leader did not agree.

Sources stated that Amer Khan, a news editor in the family-run newspaper, had met Jagan Mohan Reddy in Chanchalguda prison and asked for entry into the party.

Zahed Ali Khan had recently stated that if the TD tied up with the BJP, he would quit the party. TD?sources said that he had disassociated himself from party activities.

In a further twist, Zaheeuddin Ali Khan, the uncle of Amer Khan, is said to be close to the TRS.

Amer Khan told mediapersons on Thursday:?“I joined YSRC with the sole aim of uplifting the Muslim community in all the three regions of the state. I have submitted a detailed report along with the list of demands for each region, and Jagan has agreed to fulfil them.”

On the YSRC’s United AP?stand, he said that his priority was the condition of Muslims in all the three regions. “The welfare of Muslims living in Telangana, Rayalaseema and Andhra would remain important even after the formation of the new state,” he said.

He said he and Jagan Mohan Reddy were friends for 30 years. “Jagan wanted a Muslim leader to steer the cause of the community, instead of merely giving suggestions. I accepted his offer to join the party on the condition it would take serious steps for the development of minorities in all the regions,” he said.

Regarding the YSRC’s friendly relations with Owaisi, he said they might be friends but his decision was based on the agenda for the Muslim community.

Sources close to the MIM said the Siasat scion’s entry into the YSRC would consolidate their vote.