The AIMIM leader responds strongly after the court seeks reports on permissions granted to educational buildings at Hyderabad’s Salakam Cheruvu area
HYDERABAD — A dispute surrounding the Barrister Fatima Owaisi Educational Campus in Hyderabad has taken a political turn after senior AIMIM leader and Chandrayangutta MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi strongly defended the institution amid ongoing court proceedings.
The controversy relates to the construction of educational buildings in the Salakam Cheruvu area of Hyderabad’s Old City. The Telangana High Court has sought explanations from government authorities regarding permissions granted for the construction, following allegations that parts of the campus were built within the full tank level (FTL) area of the lake.
Responding to the developments, Akbaruddin Owaisi declared that educational institutions established by his family would continue to function regardless of any action taken against them.
Addressing a public gathering on Sunday, Owaisi said, “If one educational institution is demolished, we will build ten more. I may not be present at that time, but these institutions will continue to exist.”
His remarks came as the high court directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and other concerned departments to submit reports within a week regarding the permissions granted for the construction of educational buildings.
During his speech, Akbaruddin Owaisi alleged that certain individuals were attempting to exert pressure on him by targeting institutions associated with him.
Without naming anyone directly, he claimed that efforts were being made to create obstacles for educational projects linked to his family.
According to Owaisi, the institutions were established to provide education to children and serve the community.
He said such actions would not discourage him from continuing his educational work.
“Some people are trying to use their position and authority to pressure us. Our educational institutions are being deliberately targeted,” he alleged.
The AIMIM leader maintained that he had always worked honestly and would continue to do so despite the controversy.
In one of the strongest parts of his speech, Owaisi said that even if buildings were taken away, education would continue.
“Even if you take away the buildings, I will sit under the shade of a tree and educate children. But I will not bow before anyone,” he said.
His statement drew applause from supporters present at the gathering.
Political observers say the remarks reflect the importance that the AIMIM leadership is placing on the issue, particularly because the institution has become a prominent educational centre in Hyderabad’s Old City.
During recent hearings, the high court reportedly expressed concern over the role of government agencies responsible for protecting lakes and public water bodies.
The court questioned whether timely action had been taken in relation to the alleged encroachment.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was also criticised during the proceedings, with the court reportedly asking why effective measures were not taken earlier if violations existed.
The court’s observations have increased attention on the case and placed pressure on various government departments to explain their actions.
The Barrister Fatima Owaisi Educational Campus is named after Akbaruddin Owaisi’s daughter, Fatima Owaisi.
The campus provides educational facilities ranging from primary education to higher studies and serves students from different parts of Hyderabad.
Supporters of the institution say it has played an important role in providing educational opportunities, particularly for students from economically weaker sections.
Many locals and AIMIM supporters have expressed concern over the future of the campus while the legal proceedings continue.
Owaisi’s remarks have added a political dimension to a dispute that initially centred on planning permissions and alleged violations related to lake land.
Political analysts say the issue is likely to generate further debate in Telangana, especially because it involves educational institutions associated with one of the state’s most prominent political families.
Supporters of the AIMIM view the matter as an attempt to target institutions linked to the party, while others argue that all constructions must comply with environmental and planning laws irrespective of who owns them.
The controversy has therefore become a subject of discussion not only in legal circles but also in political and civic forums across Hyderabad.
With the high court awaiting reports from multiple government departments, attention is now focused on the next stage of the proceedings.
The court’s examination of construction permissions, environmental regulations and the status of the land in question is expected to determine the future course of the case.
For now, Akbaruddin Owaisi has made clear that he intends to resist any move against the institutions and continue supporting educational activities linked to the campus.
“If one institution is brought down, ten more will rise,” he told supporters, signalling that the controversy is unlikely to fade from public attention anytime soon.
