Majlis likely to back Congress for GHMC mayor post

HYDERABAD: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is reportedly considering extending support to the ruling Congress in exchange for the Hyderabad mayor’s post in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

Sources said the party’s leadership is weighing the possibility of not fielding a candidate in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency by-election and instead backing the Congress nominee. In return, the Majlis is expected to seek the GHMC mayor’s position once the civic body is reorganised.

Officials have indicated that the state government is planning to bifurcate the GHMC into two separate municipal corporations. The proposed division would create a new corporation covering the Old City areas, where the Majlis has a strong voter base. Party insiders say the AIMIM has begun strategising to ensure its nominee secures the mayor’s post in the new corporation.

The AIMIM has significant influence in areas such as Shaikpet, Rahmatnagar, Erragadda and Yousufguda within the Jubilee Hills constituency. In the previous GHMC elections, its candidates won from the Shaikpet and Rahmatnagar divisions.

Although the Majlis initially considered fielding a candidate in the Jubilee Hills bypoll, party leaders are now said to be reassessing that plan. The Congress, for its part, is reportedly evaluating the offer, taking into account both political and community factors.