Ganesh Rao Stages Hunger Strike: Demands GHMC Merger & ₹1,200 Crores for Secunderabad

In this special report, Secunderabad Cantonment MLA Sri Ganesh Rao highlights the ongoing crisis regarding the lack of local body elections and development funds in the Cantonment area. Speaking from his relay hunger strike, which has entered its fifth day, Rao states, 'The issue is we want the Cantonment Board merger in GHMC' to ensure justice and adequate funding for the residents. He criticises the Central Government for allegedly withholding ₹1,200 crores in dues and failing to conduct elections since the board was dissolved in 2020. Rao argues that the absence of elected representatives has silenced the people's voice and stalled civic progress. He also questions the silence of the local Member of Parliament, Eatala Rajender, on the merger issue. The MLA asserts that the state government is ready to take responsibility for the area's development if the merger with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is finalised, vowing to continue the protest until their demands are met.