HYDERABAD: Bypoll road works leave Siddharth Nagar residents fuming
HYDERABAD: Residents of Siddharth Nagar in Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, which is heading for a by-election, are angry after a well-maintained stretch near JJ Hospital was dug up to lay a new cement road.
Locals said the existing road was in good condition, and alleged that the fresh work was being carried out for political visibility ahead of the polls. Several residents tried to stop the excavation and requested the JCB operator to halt the work.
Pradeep, who runs a stationery shop in the area, said they questioned the contractor but were told that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had sanctioned the new road. “We were told GHMC instructed them to dig it up for a new cement road,” he said. Venu, who owns a kirana store, added, “Our business is completely affected. We don’t know how many months this will take.”
GHMC engineering officials said the matter would be verified. Meanwhile, residents complained that water lines and underground cables were damaged during the work, disrupting essential services.
Water woes deepen across Jubilee Hills
In several parts of Jubilee Hills constituency, including Kalyan Nagar and Yousufguda, residents are facing water shortages as tanker services have been hit by the ongoing road works. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) usually supplies water to apartments on alternate days through tankers booked from various filling stations.
However, residents said that tanker drivers were unwilling to enter damaged roads. “Though HMWSSB is ready to deliver, the roads are impassable,” said a resident of Kalyan Nagar.
Congress pick sparks unrest
The Congress high command’s decision to field Naveen Yadav as its candidate for the Jubilee Hills bypoll has created unease among party leaders. Senior leaders including former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, former minister KLN Yadav’s daughter-in-law K Vijayalaxmi, and former mayor Bonthu Rammohan were among those considered, but the All India Congress Committee (AICC) cleared Naveen Yadav’s name.
Party insiders said Anjan Kumar, known for his strong base and seniority, was disappointed. “He has always maintained good relations across communities, but his seniority was ignored,” said a party leader. Naveen Yadav, who joined Congress from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in November 2023, is a relatively new entrant.
Cash seizure during bypoll checks
During bypoll-related checking at Jubilee Hills metro station on Thursday, police seized ₹9 lakh in unaccounted cash from a man employed with a private firm. He failed to produce valid documents and was detained. Police said the cash will be handed over to the returning officer for further action.
