Vinayaksagar drives another wedge between Telangana State, BJP-MIM
The government is keen to push its proposal through at the next meeting
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-12-12 03:10 GMT
Hyderabad: The Telangana State government is caught between the BJP and MIM’s disagreement over the proposal for developing Vinayaksagar for the immersion of Ganesh idols at Indira Park.
While the government is keen to push its proposal through at the next meeting, which is slated for December 16, divided arch-rivals, the BJP and the MIM besides other parties, plan to put forth their views strongly.
The BJP has decided to oppose the development of the Vinayaksagar in Indira Park and the decentralisation of the Ganesh immersion procession. Instead, it is seeking the creation of a water body within Hussainsagar, exclusively for the immersion of idols and for Bathukamma.
The MIM has welcomed the government’s move to create Vinayaksagar and is opposed to the BJP’s plea for the creation of a water body within Hussainsagar. The MIM also wants the government to revert to the pre-1980 decentralised Ganesh idol procession in Hyderabad city.
The TS government explained to the political parties the need for the development of Vinayaksagar in Indira Park to save the Hussainsagar. The proposed project is expected to cost Rs 143 crore. Currently, Indira Park has a 2-metre deep lake spread across 4.43 acres.
“The proposed layout includes 18.85 acres of lake area earmarked for nimajjanam with a separate visitors’ area and viewing points,” said an official. The government is also on the lookout for other lakes in the GHMC area.
“Our party leader has welcomed this proposal. We also favour decentralising the immersion process,” said MIM MLC Syed Amin Jafri. Dr K. Laxman, BJP floor leader said, “We are opposed to the Vinayaksagar proposal.
The existing system should continue. We will stall the move.” The proposal, however, has received backing from Tammineni Veerabhadram from the CPI (M)backs the decentralised Ganesh procession to avoid congestion and for peace and tranquillity during the festivities. Congress leader K. R. Suresh Reddy wanted the government to think twice over its proposal in view of bottlenecks and sentiment.
“We will strongly oppose Vinayak Sagar and decentralisation of theimmersion process. The existing system should continue. If needed, the government should create a water body within Hussainsagar for immersion of idols. We will mount pressure on the government to stall the move,” said Dr K. Laxman, BJP floor leader in the Assembly.
MIM MLC Syed Amin Jafri said, “Our party leader Mr Akbaruddin Owaisi has welcomed government proposal (Vinayak Sagar). We also favour a decentralised immersion procession. However, our party opposes the creation of a water body within Hussainsagar Lake for immersion of idols.”