Owaisi became billionaire as MP, but Hyderabad's voters remained poor: Sameer

Hyderabad DCC president and Congress candidate for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency Mohammed Waliullah Sameer on Tuesday accused MIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi of amassing vast wealth while ignoring the city's enduring poverty.

Taking to reporters ahead of a massive bike rally in the Karwan constituency near here, Sameer highlighted the stark contrast between the growing fortunes of some political leaders and the persistent poverty among their constituents. "Hyderabad will remain a constituency of poor voters but rich leaders if MIM or BJP wins," he stated, emphasising that only a Congress win could bring tangible benefits to the people.

He pointed to the exponential growth in MIM President and Hyderabad sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi's declared assets over the last 20 years as a Member of Parliament. According to him, Owaisi's declared assets increased from Rs. 39.02 lakh in 2004 to Rs. 93.02 lakh in 2009, Rs. 4.06 crore in 2014, Rs. 13 crore in 2019, and Rs. 19 crore in 2024. This represents a nearly 49-fold increase in assets since 2004.

"There is nothing wrong in earning huge wealth," Sameer said. "But when the accumulated wealth does not match the known sources of income, it gives rise to suspicion that it might have been earned through corruption, land grabbing, or other illegal means."

He criticised Owaisi's extravagant lifestyle, pointing out that while the MIM leader built a lavish residence on 4 acres of land, nearly 84 percent of Muslims in the Old City live in homes smaller than 100 square feet.

Sameer further argued that while Owaisi's wealth has multiplied over the years, the people of Hyderabad have not seen significant improvements in their living conditions.

A survey revealed that almost 23 percent of Hyderabad's residents are living in poverty, with nearly 13 percent below the poverty line. Furthermore, 15 percent of children drop out of school between the 5th and 10th grades, and 65 percent of families face debts with high interest rates, he said.

The MIM has built its electoral strategy on communal lines and fear-mongering. Before every election, they create an atmosphere of fear, urging people to ignore their own needs and vote for MIM, threatening that the BJP will win otherwise, the Congress leader said.

"The conditions for many in Hyderabad haven't improved. It's time for change, and it starts with voters recognising that their support should be based on progress, not fear," said Sameer.