Amit Shah’s promise to ‘liberate Hyderabad from Nizami culture’ is gimmick, says Nizam’s kin

“But these politicians cannot change the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb which has been a part of the culture of the people of Hyderabad for centuries. My grandfather respected all religions and united them during his regime…Under my grandfather’s rule, in 1940’s, Hyderabad was better than most western countries. His massive donations are unmatched by any other ruler in all of history,” Nawab Najaf Ali Khan said.

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Further, he said that the Nizam’s name is being tarnished for political gains. “If my grandfather was a fascist why was he appointed as the Raj Pramukh (Governor) by the Central Government even after he had willingly surrendered his nation? Why did the Government of India in 1965, accept 5 tons of gold towards the National Defense Fund. In terms of today’s gold price this donation accounts for more than Rs 1,600 crores, making it the biggest donation in history.”

Khan stated that the world remembers the Nizam VII and his philanthropy even 53 years after his death. “These politicians seek to malign my grandfather’s name and belittle his immense contributions when they themselves are only seen or heard during elections. Seen once in five years, they are maligning the name of the man who served this country and his kingdom for 37 years irrespective of caste and religion,” he said.

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Campaigning for BJP, Shah on Sunday appealed to the citizens to give the party one chance. “We will eradicate the nawab-nizam culture and convert Hyderabad into a modern city. We want to take Hyderabad from dynasty rule towards democracy. We want to make it a progressive city. Give BJP one chance,” he said.