Rs 76 Lakh For House Repair Work? Telangana Govt's Hefty Allocation For Minister Azharuddin Raises Eyebrows

Hyderabad: A political row has erupted in Telangana after the Congress-led state government approved ₹76 lakh for repair and renovation work at an official ministerial residence allotted to Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin in Hyderabad’s upscale Banjara Hills.

The expenditure has been sanctioned for Minister’s Quarters No. 29. Notably, the hefty allocation comes at a time when Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has repeatedly warned about the state's fragile financial position. The renovation contrasts sharply with the state government’s claims of tight finances and delays in welfare-related payouts.

According to government sources, the building had remained unused for nearly 15 years, leading to significant deterioration. Officials said that the renovation proposal was cleared after technical assessments flagged issues such as damaged flooring, leaking roofs, worn-out electrical fittings, broken doors and windows and overall structural neglect.

The approved works reportedly include waterproofing, replacement of doors and windows, repairs to walls and floors, painting, electrical upgrades and installation of a modular kitchen.

As per reports, the state government has sanctioned more than Rs 1 crore for renovation and sanitary works at official homes of ministers.

The issue has sparked a debate due to the fragile economic condition of the state. It has also raised calls for greater transparency in government spending. The issue is also being compared to the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy, in which the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has received the flak of the Opposition for the opulent makeover of the Chief Minister's official residence.

Mohammed Azharuddin is a former cricketer who earlier served as the captain of the Indian cricket team.

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