Kishan Reddy backs Manikeshwari Nagar residents’ stir for hospital

HYDERABAD: Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the agitation taken up by the residents of Manikeshwari Nagar near Osmania University, pressing for the construction of a government hospital in the area, would be intensified if the State government failed to meet the demand.

Kishan Reddy visited Manikeshwari Nagar and met the residents, who are observing a deeksha over the last few days. Expressing his solidarity with their agitation, he said that the BJP would fight in support of the residents till the demand for a government hospital was fulfilled.

The Union Minister said that it would be inappropriate if the officials resorted to repressive measures against the agitators, who, he said, were fighting for a good cause. If the State government agrees to give the university land, then an AIIMS external hospital will be constructed with the Central funds, Kishan Reddy promised.

Kishan Reddy also recalled that it was the same Manikeshwari Nagar that came to the rescue of agitating students at the height of the separate statehood movement. The locality provided shelter to the students when they faced bullets from the police for protesting against the government before 2014, he said.

“We will extend all possible help for the residents and ensure that their demand is accomplished in the larger interest of the locality,” Reddy said.

He promised, if necessary, to speak to the Telangana Chief Secretary and Osmania University Vice-Chancellor to resolve the issue and felt that the legitimate demand of the residents should not be politicised.

“There is nothing wrong in giving land for the construction of a hospital when the government lands were given for setting up petrol filling stations, cinema theatres, parks and places of worship,” he commented.