Telangana government has floated new ideas in Hyderabad city to win over the hearts of the residents in the run up to the elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). One such wild idea, floated by IT and Panchayat Raj minister KT Ramarao, was the shifting of Cantonment from Secunderabad to a far off place. When the people of Secunderabad were troubled by the Cantonment administration’s decision to close the roads, Ramarao suggested the Army to better go out of the city and assured on behalf of the government that they would get enough land outside city. He felt the Army had no business to remain in the midst of civilians now.

Now another such proposal has come from deputy CM Mohamood Ali. The deputy CM has targeted the Muslim population of Old City. While campaigning among the Muslims of Old City he said the state government would not hesitate to shift Chanchalguda Jail and Malakpet Race Course for betterment of much neglected Old City. Built in 1879 the Chanchalguda Jail has a historical and architectural significance around it. TRS is promising to build Educational Institutions for Muslims in the place of Jail and Race course. This is a attractive proposition for many because of various reasons. What kind of institutes the government would build there is a matter of speculation, but the TRS has made apparent its intention to shift these three occupants of Hyderabad- Cantonment, Chanchalguda Jail and Malakpet Race Course and take possession of lands. This would release huge parcels of land at the heart of the city worth thousands of crore. And in the name of development, these lands may end up in the hands up a developer who is close to powers that be and benefit the influential political families.

The deputy CM revealed to media about Chief Minister’s grand plan of shifting jail and race course from old city and constructing buildings for schools for minorities. He hoped that this time TRS will win Greater Hyderabad Municipal Elections with thumping majority and allow the government implement these grand plans. He also said TRS was sure grab not only the post of mayor, but also the deputy mayor.

Ali claimed that rulers of the past had badly ignored the old city which is the real Hyderabad and the new Telangana government has focused special attention towards the development of old city.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Mohammed Mahmood Ali said that people of the state in general and the people of Hyderabad in particular are very much impressed by the accomplishments of TRS government during one and a half year period. He reiterated that the achievements made by Telangana government have no parallels.