Hyderabad, Nov 30: Former Congress MP Mohammad Azharuddin, the party's working president in Telangana, Friday said that Chief Minister and TRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao can never get 12 per cent reservation for Muslims as it was not legally possible.

"KCR (as Rao is popularly known) should give an answer on 12 per cent reservation for Muslims. People will ask (on the reservation promise).

He should answer. He can never get 12 per cent. If you (KCR) cannot achieve, then why did you promise it? When you promise something, then you will have work for it," he said addressing a press conference.

The Telangana Legislature last year passed a bill, enabling 12 per cent reservation for Muslim minorities and sent it to the Centre for assent.

In his election speeches, Rao has been levelling charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not clearing the proposed reservations for Muslims.

Replying to a query, Azharuddin said that he would contest the Lok Sabha elections if the party says so.

He thanked the Congress high command for his appointment as working president of the party in Telangana.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.

Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.

Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.

He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.

“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.

Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.

Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.

Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.

“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.