HYDERABAD: AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi on Wednesday visited the Masjid Hashimi and another masjid being built on the Secretariat premises, after they were demolished along with the old secretariat.
Accepting the demands of Muslims for rebuilding them in the same place, the government allotted 1,600 square yards for mosques. The foundation stone for the reconstruction of mosques was laid on November 25, 2021, 16 months after their demolition.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and home minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali had assured Muslims leaders of completing the construction of mosques along with the Secretariat.
But, while the Secretariat was opened on April 30, mosques were delayed due to improper release of funds, with the roads and buildings (R&B) officials needing four months and saying that it was far-fetched to expect the completion of religious structures along with the Secretariat.
The design submitted by Akbaruddin Owaisi was accepted by the government, as per which 250 to 300 people can offer prayers in each. The masjids will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on August 25. The total estimated cost is Rs 2.9 crore.
Political parties raised their voice against the demolition of places of worship, as besides two mosques, a temple and church were also demolished. The issue had snowballed into controversy and resulted in a PIL in the High Court.
The old Secretariat complex was spread over 25 acres and housed the offices of the Chief Minister, council of ministers and bureaucrats. Land for the demolished temple was allotted towards the Mint Compound.
