Yakutpura Constituency in Hyderabad And Mumtaz Khan

By Bilal Sarvari | Hyderabad

ELECTION WATCH For 20 long years now, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan has ‘ruled’ over Yakutpura, the muslim dominated constituency of Hyderabad in Telangana region.. And this year again, the invincible Khan has won himself the MIM ticket to this MLA ‘throne’. His victory is almost certain. Just as certain as the fate of his ‘kingdom’ that’s unlikely to change, even if its aging ‘king’ returns to power for the fifth time here. 

For Yakutpura will still be counted as one among the most backward pockets of the Old City, poisoned by the presence of unscrupulous characters and absence of educational institutions, healthcare facilities and basic civic amenities. 
“There is literally nothing that  MLA has done in the past two decades. The same issues of bad roads, traffic congestion and insufficient schools and colleges still plague the constituency. It is unfortunate, but the truth,” said Md Jaber, an old-timer from the area. Yakutpura has an electoral strength of 2.83 lakh people. 
    
And statistics obtained from the chief planning officer (Hyderabad collectorate) only further consolidates this allegation. Of the Rs 1.75 crore that he received from the government for Yakutpura as Constituency Development Programme (CDP) funds between 2010 and 2014, only Rs 75 lakh have been spent thus far. While the MLA left half of the Rs 50 lakh sanctioned in 2011-12 unutilised, he failed to get Rs 1 crore entitled to him (between 2012 and 2014) sanctioned. 
    
Not surprising then that residents of the area have been suffering from perennial civic problems for years. And there appears to be no respite in sight even now. 
    
The most affected areas, according to residents, are the low lying pockets of Talabkatta, Aman Nagar A and Aman Nagar B that are flooded during monsoons. 
    
“The government had sought to change the existing drainage pipeline with new 250 mm drain pipes, but most of the work has not been completed. The nala which flows from Maula ka Chilla to Imlibun overflows whenever it rains, giving residents nightmares. The roads in many areas are bad,” said Khaleeluddin Ahmed, a resident of Bada Bazar. 
    
Others rued the presence of local financiers who prey on poverty-stricken families. They blamed local representatives for failing to “educate” theirs voters about the procedure of applying for loans and scholarships provided by government agencies such as the AP State Minorities Finance Corporation. 
    
“The literacy level here is low when compared to other areas. Therefore, many don’t know how to even fill a loan application form. Public representatives should spare some time to help their voters,” said Mohammed Waseem, a resident of Rein Bazar. 
    
So what’s the secret to this unprecedented success story of MLA Khan? “The lack of an alternate Muslim leadership in the area,” said a political analyst further elaborating on the ‘unofficial arrangement’ that MIM enjoys with other parties here. “All other secular parties have an understanding with Majlis wherein no strong contender is ever put up against Khan. So this remains a MIM bastion,” the analyst added. 
    
Here’s proof: In 2009, Khan’s two main opponents were G Rathnamaiah (Congress) and S Raj Kumar (Praja Rajyam), both insignificant in Yakutpura. This year, he has little-known Shabbir Hussain (TRS) to battle against. While MBT’s Majeedullah Khan Farhat, is slightly more popular, he too, analysts rue, doesn’t stand much of a chance. Neither does BJP’s C Roop Raja. 

CONSTITUENCY FACT FILE 

• Number of voters: 2.83 lakh 
• Issues: Bad civic infrastructure, Financiers, Low literacy level 
• Candidates in fray: Shabbir Hussain (TRS), Majeedullah Khan Farhat (MBT), C Roop Raja (BJP), Mumtaz Ahmed Khan (MIM)