HYDERABAD, 30 January 2025: BJP corporators in Hyderabad staged a unique protest by dressing as beggars and attending the GHMC Council meeting. They claimed that the GHMC administration was not allocating funds to their wards due to political bias. The corporators, in their beggar attire, entered the council meeting to highlight this issue.
Additionally, they demanded that the Goshamahal Stadium be demolished and a new Osmania Hospital be constructed at its current location, utilizing the land behind it. When these BJP corporators arrived at the council meeting in their protest attire, police attempted to stop them, leading to a verbal altercation.
Meanwhile, BRS corporators also protested, holding placards demanding the resignation of Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi. They accused the Congress government of not fulfilling its promises and tried to approach the mayor’s podium during the budget meeting.
In the ensuing commotion, Congress members snatched and tore the placards, while BRS corporators tore up budget documents. This led to a scuffle between BRS and Congress members. Marshals escorted the BRS members out, and police arrested them, transporting them to various stations.
Amidst these protests, the council approved the 2025-26 annual budget, estimated at Rs 8,440 crore. BRS and BJP councillors criticized Mayor Vijayalakshmi, alleging that despite lacking a majority, she expelled opposition members to pass the budget, calling it an example of the Congress government’s undemocratic practices. BRS corporators demanded that the mayor resign immediately, citing ethical concerns.
