Opposition parties ask Guv to take control

Hyderabad, Feb 3 (INN): All opposition parties on Wednesday asked Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to take Hyderabad's Law & Order under his control as per Section 8 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Led by Leader of Opposition in Assembly K. Jana Reddy, a delegation comprising representatives of TDP, BJP, YSRCP and Left parties, called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday and apprised him of violent incidents reported during GHMC polling. They alleged that the MIM leaders were given a free hand to attack all their political rivals and the entire election process in Greater Hyderabad, especially in the Old City was turned into a farce. They said that the Governor has powers to take Law & Order under his direct control when State Government fails to handle the situation. The leaders informed the Governor about the attack on TPCC Chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Leader of Opposition Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Jangammet when BJP candidate Yadagiri, MBT leader Amjedullah Khan, journalist Mohammed Mubasshir Khurram and Deputy CM's son Mohammed Azam. They said that the not even the opposition parties, but some ruling party leaders, who are opposed to MIM, were not safe in Hyderabad.

The Governor has reportedly given a patient hearing and assured to take action. Before meeting the Governor, the all-party delegation also met State Election Commissioner V. Nagi Reddy and sought action against those involved in poll-related violence and violation of Model Code of Conduct.

Earlier, representatives of all political parties including Telangana TDP President L. Ramana, BJP floor leader Dr. K. Lakshman and MLC N. Ramchander Reddy and YSRCP representatives attended an all party meeting called by Jana Reddy in Assembly premises. During discussion, the opposition parties have resolved to unitedly fight against the alleged 'goondaism' unleashed by the MIM. They also condemned the TRS Government for not taking stern action against the people who were resorting to violence.

Addressing a joint press conference later, Jana Reddy said that the attack on opposition parties reflect the complete failure of State Government. He said that the opposition parties would also meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and if required, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Centre's intervention to restore deteriorating Law and Order situation in the city. He said attack on Uttam Kumar Reddy and Shabbir Ali by MIM activists led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi was highly condemnable.

Condemning the violent incidents, TDP leader Ramana said in recent pasts, Congress and TDP legislators were attacked by the ruling party leaders in Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts. He said that the opposition leaders were not feeling safe in Telangana State.

BJP leader Lakshman demanded that MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi be booked under SC/ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act for attacking Jangammet candidate Yadigiri.