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Video Editor: Vishal Kumar & Varun Sharma
Camerapersons: Mythreyee Ramesh & Smitha TK
All roads in Telangana’s capital, Hyderabad, lead to the city’s world-famous biryani stalls. From road-side kiosks to towering restaurants, there is no way to escape the Hyderabadi biryani – making the delicacy the very essence of the city.
The Quint set out to find out what the mood was in light of the upcoming state Assembly elections in Telangana, over a plate of piping hot biryani.
Located in the heart of old Hyderabad is Madina Hotel, which is as old as independent India. The Madina, as it is fondly called, is considered one of the most popular addas of the city – brimming with conversations about biryani and of course, politics.
Telangana’s first Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is quite the favorite among the customers of this restaurant.
“The victory will be K Chandrashekar Rao's. There has been lot of improvement. The roads are well laid out. Poor people have been given houses and shops for business. They have even increased the money they give part of the Shaadi Mubaarak scheme,” said Mohammed Huz, a resident of the city.
Like KCR, there is also vocal support for his son and IT Minister KT Rama Rao.
However, not all is well in the land of biryani. There is strong criticism against the Telangana Rashtra Samiti leader. From being accused of amassing wealth for personal gain, to not being able to meet the basic needs of the people, a section of customers at Madina feels that there is room for improvement.
A senior citizen, who did not want to be identified, said:
While KCR claims that there are no power cuts in the city, the citizens say otherwise.
“There are a lot of issues. Irrigation, drainage, water, electricity. There are basic needs. KCR says there are no power cuts, but it is happening for us.”
Like the biryani, however, KCR seems to be the eternal favourite among the Muslim minority. Take Asifuddin, for example. He is a cab driver and the sole earning member of his family. Eight people, including children, are dependent on him for food and basic needs.
But, what does Mohammed Jabri, a third-generation Madina hotel owner, who has seen had scores of conversations with the many customers, think? Who will stake their rightful claim over Hyderabad’s throne?
“Whoever has done the work, will win the elections.”
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