MBT Demands Evidence of Moharrum Budget Increase, Flags Infrastructure Gaps

The Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) has called on the Telangana government to substantiate its assertions regarding enhanced budget allocations for Moharrum-2026, demanding that relevant Government Orders be made publicly available.

Amjed Ullah Khan, MBT spokesperson, issued the challenge following comments made by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin during a site visit to Bibi Ka Alawa in Dabeerpura. The Minister had stated that the government had increased the Moharrum budget for the upcoming year.

Khan pointed out that Moharrum-2026 marks the third such observance under the Congress administration in Telangana. He alleged, however, that numerous projects sanctioned during the 2024 and 2025 observances remain incomplete. Khan also questioned whether any new roads had been constructed or substantial maintenance work undertaken specifically for this year's Moharrum.

The MBT leader characterized the Minister's visit as lacking substantive outcomes, noting that several officials responsible for coordinating Moharrum arrangements were conspicuously absent. He specifically mentioned that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Telangana State Wakf Board did not participate in the visit. Senior representatives from GHMC, TGSPDCL, the Police Department and other relevant agencies similarly stayed away, despite their critical involvement in managing processions and Majalis.

Given that the Wakf Board is overseeing a significant Moharrum-related initiative, Khan questioned the absence of officials directly handling the project.

Khan further alleged that comprehensive planning meetings for Moharrum have been delayed for three consecutive years, with authorities typically convening such sessions only days before the observance. He contrasted this approach with preparations for Bonalu and Ganesh Utsav, which he said commence months in advance.

The infrastructure situation around key Moharrum sites has also drawn criticism. Khan highlighted deteriorating road conditions on routes leading from Dabeerpura Darwaza, Shaik Faiz Kaman and the Dabeerpura Railway Over Bridge to Bibi Ka Alawa. Potholes, accumulated waste and construction debris continue to affect devotees visiting these areas, he alleged.

Khan also pointed to ongoing challenges including frequent electricity outages, inadequate sanitation and insufficient facilities at venues hosting Majalis along various procession routes.

Notably, Khan claimed that neither Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy nor Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi have visited Bibi Ka Alam over the past three years.

In response to these concerns, Khan has demanded that the state government immediately convene a high-level meeting on Moharrum arrangements under the Chief Minister's leadership. He has also called for transparent disclosure of budget figures, expedited completion of pending infrastructure projects, and urgent attention to road repairs, sanitation systems, street lighting and power supply systems before Moharrum-2026 commences.