Bahadurpura winner will be a first-time MLA

Hyderabad: Irrespective of the outcome, the one thing that is certain is that Bahadurpura will be sending a debutant to the Assembly. The seat is held by the MIM.

Bahadurpura, a major segment in the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency with six divisions and 263 polling booths, has approximately 3,10,819 voters, including 1,57, 142 male, 1,53,626 female, and 51 transgender persons.

The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Mohammed Mubeen, while the BRS candidate is Mir Inayat Ali Baqri, and the Congress has nominated Rajesh Kumar Pulipati and the BJP Y. Naresh.

Bahudupura constituency, created before the 2009 elections, comprises Aliabad, Jahanuma, Doodhbowli, Hashamabad and Falaknuma.

The Shastripuram corporator, Mubeen has been with the MIM for more than two decades, while Baqri is the working president of the National Hawkers’ Federation. Pulipati is the convener of the TPCC Election Commission coordination committee.

Mubeen, who replaced sitting MLA Moazzam Khan, is confident of winning with a good majority.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, he said, “My priority would be to start construction work of the proposed hospital in Kamatipura, apart from which I will focus on the cable bridge near Bahadurpura crossroads.”

Baqri, who lost to Moazzam Khan in 2018, said, “Unemployment is a major problem here because of the apathy of the authorities and local leaders. Thousands of youth are jobless despite having skills. Almost all industries and workshops are lying defunct.”

“A mere five per cent of youth make a livelihood working in the handful of small industries in the area. Small-scale industries into zari making, papad, aachar, and wood carving have shut shop. Even to redress civic problems, the corporators are at the mercy of MLAs and MPs.”

Pulipati, an advocate from the Padmashali community (BC-B), has been active with his door-to-door campaigning and explaining the Congress’s Six Guarantees.

On his priorities and preferences, he said, “Resolving all civic issues would be my immediate priority. If elected, I will ensure timely release of funds and completion of all pending works.”

“Narrow lanes, perennial sewage water overflow, poor sanitation, mosquito menace, non-functional streetlights, and open manholes are problems that locals have been bearing for decades together.

The main road towards the airport is in a shabby condition, while Arambagh, Doodhbowli, Chandulal Baradari are the worst-hit areas,” said the Congress leader, who hopes to make the grade, ‘riding’ on the wave in his party’s favour.

BJP candidate Y. Naresh could not be contacted.

Box

What contestants say (with mugshots)

The state government has sanctioned Rs 42 crore for the construction of a 100-bed hospital in Kamatipura besides two hospitals in the Old City. These funds will help improve healthcare facilities. A cable bridge via Kishanbagh and Bahadurpura crossroads is on the cards.”

Md Mubeen, MIM

 

I joined the Congress in 2006 and fought against Md. Mubeen from Ramnasthpura in 2009. I am aware of the ground realities and issues of the residents. My fight is mostly against the MIM candidate. There is a strong Congress wave and the Opposition can feel that surge.”

Rajesh Kumar Pulipati, Congress

 

People are aware of the fact that more than 80% of Congress leaders are from the RSS. After having lost power, they accuse the BRS of taking the side of the BJP and the RSS. The KCR government is secular and there is no room for any doubt. We will also fight for a 12 per cent reservation for Muslims.

Mir Inayat Ali Baqri, BRS