Hyderabad, January 12: City mayor Banda Kartika Reddy, the first citizen of Greater Hyderabad has decided to remove the siren, blue beacon and name plate of ‘HW (Her Worshipful) Mayor’ from her official vehicle.
Sources say she has done this fearing attacks on her car from Telangana activists. It maybe noted that previously her vehicle and house had been attacked by Telangana activists. So, in order to stop her Innova from becoming an easy target, her staff promptly removed all official signages on Monday. As per protocol, the mayor’s post is equal to a cabinet rank and she is eligible to use the beacon and name plate of HW Mayor. The decision to take such precautions comes with Telangana agitations increasing in the city. Another reason is that she resides in Tarnaka area which is near to the Osmania University campus, the hot-bed of pro-Telangana movement.
Speaking to Express, Karthika Reddy said, “I reside very near to the OU campus. Telangana activists have hurled stones on my car and residence before. Without the beacon, siren and name plate, hopefully my car will not be recognised and I can move without fear.”
–Agencies