CM K Chandrasekhar Rao to consult all parties

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said in the Legislative Assembly that he will take all the political parties into confidence on the Metro Rail realignment issue.

The Opposition parties found fault with the government for taking suggestions only from MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi on the issue during the recent meeting with Metro Rail officials in Secretariat.

The Chief Minister assured the House that an all-party meeting will be held soon after the Assembly session concludes on November 29. The meeting will be held before finalising the realignment routes.

BJP floor leader Dr K. Laxman asked, “Why was only Mr Akbaruddin Owaisi invited to the meeting on the Metro realignment issue which was held by the Chief Minister in Secretariat recently?

Do we not represent the people of Hyderabad city? The realignment is being proposed not only in the old city area but also in other parts of the city. MLAs from various parties are representing various parts of the city in the House. We too should be consulted on this issue.”

The Chief Minister then clarified, “We have not invited anyone to the meeting. In fact, Mr Owaisi had come there for another purpose. I was holding a meeting with Metro officials at that time.

Since he was there, he joined us and gave some suggestions on changing the routes in old city to save religious structures. There is nothing more to it.”

Mr Rao added, “We will consult all the political parties before finalising the realignment of Metro routes. Since the Assembly is in session, it is not possible now. We will hold a meeting after the session concludes on November 19.”

He stated that the government had proposed three changes near the Legislative Assembly, Sultan Bazaar and old city, and they will be finalised after consulting all political parties.