Old City Is Yearning for Change, Says Waliullah

 Hyderabad: Congress Hyderabad candidate Mohammed Waliullah Sameer asserted the party's successful campaign in bringing about change in the Old City during a press conference following a review meeting with senior party leaders. Sameer highlighted the impact of their 16-day election campaign, emphasising their focus on direct engagement with residents.

He stated that residents expressed a desire for change, attributing their plight to misguided political leadership and the pressure to align with specific parties based on religious identity. Sameer pledged to counter communal politics and promote development.

Sameer addressed the economic challenges faced by Old City residents, noting their difficulty in obtaining loans due to negative perceptions. He proposed a micro-financing scheme and highlighted the exploitation of small vendors and autorickshaw drivers by private money lenders.

He noted that being a resident of the Old City disqualified individuals from obtaining personal or business loans, as banks and financial institutions were unwilling to extend credit. Consequently, residents were forced to resort to private money lenders who imposed exorbitant monthly interest rates ranging from 10 per cent to 15 per cent Sameer pledged to petition Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to introduce a micro-financing scheme through a government department for the impoverished residents of the Old City. He illustrated the plight of poor vendors, such as those selling small items like safety pins on Charminar Road, who borrow Rs 1,000 daily from private money lenders, only to receive Rs 900 in the morning and repay Rs 1,000 at night, with a 10 per cent daily fine for defaults.

Additionally, Sameer discussed the social stigma affecting matrimonial alliances in the Old City, leading families to seek matches outside the area. He vowed to enhance the area's reputation and preserve its cultural heritage if elected.

Sameer's remarks underscored the Congress party's commitment to addressing the multifaceted issues plaguing Hyderabad's Old City and restoring its dignity and prosperity.