Moharrum 2026: MBT raises concerns over civic works and elephant arrangement
HYDERABAD: As the countdown to the holy month of Moharrum 2026 reaches just 12 days, the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) has strongly criticized the Telangana government and its leaders. MBT accuses them of neglect and discrimination in preparing for the annual Bibi Ka Alam procession.
MBT spokesman Amjed Ullah Khan said the state government, led by Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, has not held a single coordination meeting with all relevant departments.
Despite the urgency, Khan said, “We are just 12 days away from Moharrum. The government has not even held a basic meeting to discuss arrangements.” Earlier, Khan said MBT representatives met with Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin and the Chief Minister’s Advisor on Minority Affairs Mohammed Ali Shabbir about 45 days ago. MBT presented clear demands at that meeting, including a request to secure an elephant in advance for the Bibi Ka Alam procession on the 10th of Moharrum.
“Every year, the government waits until the last minute to arrange an elephant from other states. We suggested that the government buy its own elephant in advance to avoid this crisis. But the Minister, the Advisor, and Congress minority leaders did not take our suggestion seriously,” Khan said.
He questioned how the government could finish essential civic work when the process for estimates, approvals, tenders, and work assignments usually takes at least a month. “How will the GHMC complete road repairs, lighting, and sanitation in 12 days? This is mismanagement,” Khan said.
As a result, thousands of devotees from India and abroad are expected to visit Hyderabad for the Bibi Ka Alam. Khan warned that last-minute preparations would cause chaos and hardship for pilgrims. In addition, the MBT spokesperson accused the Congress government of treating Muslim festivals unfairly.
He elaborated, “For the Ganesh and Bonalu festivals, the government holds review meetings months in advance and finishes all work before the festivals start. But for Moharrum, the government intentionally delays action.”
Khan also criticized AIMIM leaders. “Despite having one MP, seven MLAs, two MLCs, and several former corporators, AIMIM has failed to pressure the state government to hold the Moharrum meeting or approve necessary works on time,” he said.
He contrasted this with the legacy of late MBT founder Mohammed Amanullah Khan. “In 1994-95, when MBT represented Yakutpura and Chandrayangutta, Amanullah Khan ensured the government held Moharrum meetings four months early. He also set up the Moharrum Fund, which still exists. Today, Asaduddin Owaisi has failed to continue that legacy,” Khan said.
He demanded that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy immediately convene a high-level meeting to complete pending work and ensure Moharrum-2026 proceeds smoothly. He warned that MBT would hold the government responsible for any problems if this does not happen.
