Mirza Riyaz Ul Hasan Effendi’s victory by 38 votes over BJP’s Gautam Rao marks a decisive political moment ahead of the GHMC elections
NEW DELHI — In a significant political development as AIMIM’s Mirza Riyaz Ul Hasan Effendi won the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC) seat from the Hyderabad Local Authority Constituency. The election result has dealt a severe blow to the BJP, which suffered a decisive loss at the hands of a united front of Muslim and secular forces.
Effendi defeated BJP’s N Gautam Rao by a clear margin of 38 votes, securing 63 votes against Rao’s 25. Out of 112 eligible voters — including corporators, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and MLCs from Hyderabad district — 88 cast their votes in this contest.
This victory for AIMIM is more than a simple win; it signals the growing political confidence of Indian Muslims in Telangana and the rejection of the BJP’s divisive Hindutva politics. AIMIM has held sway in Hyderabad’s municipal governance for nearly four decades, either ruling directly or influencing key decisions as a “kingmaker.” With Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections approaching early next year, this win strengthens AIMIM’s position and reaffirms its critical role in representing Muslim interests.
Effendi, who is now serving his second term, expressed gratitude to the voters and the supporting parties. “This victory is not just for AIMIM but for all those who believe in inclusive politics and communal harmony,” he said. “We will continue to work for the welfare of Hyderabad’s diverse communities and stand against forces trying to divide us.”
The election also highlighted the crucial support AIMIM received from Congress, whose 14 votes alongside AIMIM’s own 49 votes created an unstoppable majority. Meanwhile, 20 voters from the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) chose to abstain, indirectly contributing to the outcome. The BJP candidate acknowledged this, stating, ‘Though we lost in numbers, this is a moral victory. The alliance between Congress and AIMIM, with BRS abstaining, worked against us.’
Political analysts point out that the BJP’s defeat in Hyderabad underscores the rejection of its Hindutva ideology in a city where the Muslim community remains politically active and united. “The BJP’s approach to communal politics has failed to resonate with Hyderabad’s voters, who prefer parties that respect the city’s secular fabric,” said political commentator Ayesha Khan. “AIMIM’s victory is a message that Muslim voices will not be sidelined or silenced.”
The BJP’s struggles come as no surprise given its history of polarising politics in Telangana and across India. The party’s attempts to expand its Hindutva influence in Hyderabad have been repeatedly thwarted by the city’s Muslim population and their allies. Hyderabad’s corporators and nominated members, who formed the bulk of voters in this election, made it clear that they rejected divisive politics in favour of inclusive governance.
Resident and community activist Farhan Ansari welcomed the result, saying, “This victory is a proud moment for Indian Muslims in Telangana. It shows that unity and perseverance can overcome hate and division. AIMIM has once again proved that it stands for justice and equality.”
The BJP’s candidate Gautam Rao, however, maintained a defensive stance, accusing opposition parties of conspiring against his party. “This election was not fair,” he alleged. “Congress and AIMIM joined hands, and BRS stayed away to help them win. But the people of Hyderabad know the truth.”
Despite such claims, the results clearly reflect the political reality on the ground — a city united against communal politics and supportive of a party that has continuously represented minority rights.
With the GHMC elections looming, AIMIM’s win sends a warning to the BJP and other Hindutva groups that attempts to divide Hyderabad on religious lines will be resisted. The outcome reaffirms AIMIM’s position as the leading voice of Indian Muslims in Telangana’s political landscape.
