Congress Slams BRS, BJP for Politicising Gulzar Houz Tragedy, Calls for Statewide Fire Safety Drive

Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress has hit out at the Opposition for what it described as “insensitive and opportunistic” politics in the aftermath of the Gulzar Houz fire tragedy. TPCC official spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin condemned leaders from the BRS and BJP for “doing politics over corpses” rather than expressing solidarity with bereaved families.

Addressing the media at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, Nizamuddin said the loss of 17 lives including several children in the May 19 blaze at a commercial complex should serve as a wake-up call for sweeping reforms in fire safety across the state. “This isn’t the time for blame games; it’s time to act,” he said.

He criticised Opposition leaders for diverting public attention from critical safety issues through political mudslinging. “Instead of standing with the victims, they’re weaponising the tragedy for headlines,” Nizamuddin stated.

Calling for a statewide fire safety campaign, Nizamuddin proposed awareness drives in homes, schools, apartments, and commercial buildings. He recommended regular electrical safety audits, controlled use of high-load devices during peak hours, alarm systems, and proper ventilation mechanisms. The spokesperson highlighted challenges faced by firefighters in Hyderabad’s Old City, where narrow lanes often hinder emergency response.

Citing media reports, he revealed that Telangana witnessed 5,407 fire incidents in the first five months of 2025 alone. Hyderabad accounted for over 2,500 fire calls last year and over 450 this year, with most traced back to electrical faults.

Nizamuddin also referenced a string of recent fire accidents in Begum Bazaar, Chandanagar, Puppalaguda, Pasha Colony, Yakutpura, Jiyaguda, Bazaarghat, and the Swapnalok Complex—underscoring the urgent need for preventive infrastructure and public awareness.