Delay in polls leaves Hyderabad’s elite 140-year-old club in state of flux

HYDERABAD: The city’s prestigious Nizam Club has landed itself in a bitter power struggle after the club elections were pushed back by more than four months — only the second such delay in its 140-year history.And apart from leading to administrative concerns, the impasse has also split its influential membership, which includes politicians, senior bureaucrats, business leaders, and members of the erstwhile royal family.

The crisis began after an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), convened in June, 2025 — to vote on key governance reforms -was abruptly adjourned amid chaos. A section of members alleged procedural violations claiming that honorary secretary Amarendar Reddy continued to function in the post for almost four months after his tenure officially ended on Sept 24, 2025.EGM adjourned“The EGM was called to vote on crucial reforms such as limiting leadership positions to four years, barring former presidents from contesting lower posts etc,” said Prasad Reddy, a businessman and member for over 43 years.“With nearly 600 members present, a secret ballot was the only practical option. However, the secretary and his supporters insisted on a show of hands. Amid the ruckus, the meeting was adjourned and the resolutions were never put to vote.”

Following the aborted EGM, some members approached the courts, alleging procedural lapses. They further claimed that despite the legal challenge and the expiry of his tenure, Amarendar Reddy continued to discharge the duties.The charge was vehemently refuted by the honourary secretary who maintained that his actions were in accordance with the club’s by-laws. “Elections are held every alternate year. Since elections are still due, I am permitted to function on an election-to-election basis.

This is a procedural delay, not an intentional act,” Amarendar Reddy told TOI .This opponents, however, cited a recent civil court order that stated that the bylaws does not allow the outgoing secretary to continue if the elections are not conducted. “In the present case, since terms of the general secretary are expired and no elections are conducted and no general secretary is elected, as per the Rule 26 the joint secretary is the authorised person to represent the Club,” the court order stated.Members alleged that this issue has affected the club’s routine functioning. “He continued to take administrative decisions, sign cheques, and reject member-requisitioned meetings even after his tenure ended,” alleged Zafar Javeed, the club’s current president adding that a requisition signed by over 200 members seeking another EGM was rejected without adequate justification. “Members followed due process.

Rejecting the request only deepened the impasse. Vendors have stopped supplies, and banks temporarily restricted transactions due to the absence of updated authorised signatories.”Land gifted by 6th NizamFounded in 1884, the Nizam Club was built on land gifted by Mehboob Ali Pasha, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, to serve as a recreational space for the city’s elite. Over the decades, apart from prominent public figures, it has counted among its members prime ministers to the Nizam and their descendants, senior IAS and IPS officers inducted under special tenure-based categories, and corporate members, including public sector undertakings such as State Bank of India and NMDC.

The club currently has over 6,200 members.Beyond governance issues, members point to a steady decline in infrastructure and facilities. “Large sums are spent every year, but the results are disappointing,” said Ashfaq Ahmed, a businessman.