Rs 76 lakh renovation for minister Azharuddin’s official residence triggers political row in Telangana

Reportedly, the building had been vacant for around 15 years and had fallen into disrepair before being allotted to the minister (Image: PTI)

The Congress-led Telangana government is facing scrutiny for sanctioning Rs 76 lakh for renovation work at minister’s quarters No 29 in Banjara Hills, recently allotted to minority welfare minister Mohammad Azharuddin.

The funds were approved under the capital outlay for government residential buildings, according to Roads and Buildings Department orders cited in an NDTV report.

The government order also details the work for which the amount has been sanctioned, including comprehensive repairs such as waterproofing the roof slab, floor tiling, UPVC window installation, modular kitchen installation, wall repairs, and painting, among other renovations.

Reportedly, the building had been vacant for around 15 years and had fallen into disrepair before being allotted to the minister.

In the last two weeks, the government has reportedly approved over Rs 1 crore for renovation and sanitation work at ministers’ official residences, with Rs 30 lakh allocated to the health minister’s bungalow alone, according to the NDTV report.

Opposition parties say the spending undermines chief minister Revanth Reddy’s claims of financial strain, particularly as the state continues to grapple with delayed welfare disbursements and pending employee payments -- issues earlier acknowledged by the government.

As state government cites financial constraints while meeting welfare commitments, the recent order sanctioning Rs 76 lakh for repair works is drawing public criticism.