MIM not in favour of Hyderabad as UT; pitches for unified Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD: The MIM has strongly opposed the idea of making Hyderabad a Union Territory on the lines of Chandigarh, in the event of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh even as the party again made a strong pitch for a unified state.

"We cannot accept Hyderabad as a Union Territory. We are also opposing Hyderabad as the common capital (for Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh) in the event of the state's division. Both the ideas are totally misconceived," Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi asserted here today.

Addressing a press conference along with MLC Syed Amin Zafri at the MIM headquarters, Asaduddin said they would like creation of a Rayala-Telangana state by adding two out of four districts of Rayalaseema to the 10 districts of Telangana, if bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh could not be stopped.

"Whether I like it or not, division of the state looks a reality. Rayala-Telangana doesn't look to happen. But, in the interest of justice, the districts of Kurnool and Anantapur (of Rayalaseema) should be added to Telangana as Rayalaseema will be the worst sufferer in the event of the division. It will resolve the water issue or else there will be water wars," the MP said.

Apprehending that the bifurcation would "hurt the Muslims very badly," the MIM supremo also noted that it would hurt the backward Rayalaseema as well.

"Bifurcation will lead to miscarriage of justice against Muslims. Muslims, Christians and Dalits will be the losers in the event of the division while it will help the Sangh Parivar to grow strong," he added.