Khaja Mohiuddin (Feroz)
By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Jangaon / Pochanapet: It is the kind of story that brings a sense of hope to a peaceful village like Pochanapet. Khaja Mohiuddin, better known to all as Feroz, has won the Sarpanch seat in the local Gram Panchayat. And remarkably, it is the first time in almost 70 years that a Muslim candidate has taken this leading role here. Since the panchayat system began, leadership has largely been held by candidates from other communities, but Feroz’s determination and genuine approach have changed that.
News of the victory spread quickly through Pochanapet and the surrounding areas in Bachanapet Mandal, Jangaon District, Telangana. In this close community where residents are deeply engaged in farming, tending fields, sharing daily routines, and addressing common challenges, this marks a true turning point. It is not simply about greater representation for one group; it is evidence of broader social changes, with longstanding divisions between neighbors gradually fading. Daily life here remains straightforward: harvesting crops, sending children to school, and preparing for the rains. Yet now, conversations center more on collaboration than on differences.
What stands out most is the wide support Feroz received, not limited to his own community, but extending across various castes, religions, and backgrounds. This 45-year-old leader, who feels as rooted in the village as its winding paths and shady trees, devoted years to connecting with residents, hearing their concerns, and proposing practical solutions. “He did not focus on divisions; he focused on results,” said an elderly farmer during discussions over tea at the local stall after the election. Feroz emphasized key priorities: repairing roads that become impassable in the monsoons, ensuring steady access to clean drinking water, enhancing sanitation to prevent health problems, and simplifying the delivery of government welfare programs such as pensions and subsidies. He also committed to open governance, vowing monthly reviews of panchayat funds to foster lasting confidence.
Feroz has long been a familiar and trusted presence in Pochanapet. Born and raised in the village, he has contributed for more than a decade through community efforts, organizing health clinics during intense summer heat, resolving disputes over land, and advocating for improved irrigation to support rice and cotton cultivation. He is often seen conversing with women at the market or assisting young people with employment opportunities. The younger residents affectionately call him “Feroz Anna,” viewing him as an elder brother. Prior to this election, he advanced within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), serving first as General Secretary in Bachanapet Mandal and later as Coordinator. This background, along with his independent candidacy backed by BRS supporters, enabled him to gain backing from diverse groups. Even opponents recognized his sincerity.
Senior residents, some of whom recall the last Muslim Sarpanch from the 1950s, a period when the village was adapting to post-independence structures, describe this as a welcome renewal. “Panchayats have succeeded and failed before, but this one carries real promise,” said 72-year-old Lakshmi Devi, a ward member who supported Feroz despite her family’s traditional affiliations elsewhere. “No longer ‘us versus them’, just all of us, advancing together.” Her sentiment reflects a larger national dialogue on inclusion, but in Pochanapet, it is ordinary people driving the change through their votes.
The official swearing-in ceremony is set for Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10 AM at the Gram Panchayat office. The event will be modest yet meaningful, with village elders, newly elected ward members, representatives from BRS and other parties, and hundreds of residents expected to gather and mark the occasion. Preparations include garlands of marigolds and banners reading “United Pochanapet, A Brighter Future” draped over the simple building. Security will be minimal, in keeping with village traditions, but attendance is expected to grow with visitors from Jangaon and nearby mandals, transforming it into a communal celebration of new beginnings.
Immediately after the results were announced on December 20, Feroz addressed reporters and supporters gathered under festive lights at his modest home. “This victory belongs to everyone in Pochanapet, from the youngest child to the eldest grandparent,” he said with quiet resolve. “I will dedicate myself fully to the village’s progress, without regard for caste, religion, or politics. From constructing that essential road to the fields to ensuring no household lacks essentials, we will make Pochanapet a model of unity and advancement.” His message, delivered fluidly in Telugu and Urdu, resonated deeply, drawing applause from the assembled group.
The achievement has also drawn praise from higher levels. Jangaon’s MLA, Palla Rajeshwar Reddy of BRS, offered warm congratulations: “Feroz’s success inspires our young people, diligence and integrity always prevail. Let us channel this energy to strengthen Telangana, one village at a time.” Observers in the district view his rise as indicative of evolving patterns in rural politics. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, including those for Zilla Parishad Territorial Committees (ZPTCs), Mandal Parishad Territorial Committees (MPTCs), and assembly seats, this result may encourage a new generation of candidates, especially from underrepresented communities. A BRS district official summed it up simply: “It shows the youth: begin at the grassroots, remain committed, and opportunities will follow.” For the Muslim residents of Bachanapet, who have sustained the local economy through tailoring, small businesses, and agriculture despite limited visibility, Feroz’s journey serves as an encouraging example. It invites greater involvement in the democratic process, from Sarpanch roles to MLA and parliamentary positions, promoting a more balanced representation.
On December 21, 2025, Pochanapet hums with quiet anticipation. Feroz’s election is more than an entry in official records; it is a vivid chapter in India’s story of local democracy, where a single resolute effort can unite and uplift an entire community. At YaHind.Com, we recognize it plainly: true progress takes hold where mutual trust is nurtured.
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