A Hyderabad-based woman entrepreneur has raised concerns over the manner in which her request for a business opportunity in the outdoor advertising sector was allegedly handled, claiming that a person she understood to be close to the Chief Minister asked her to meet him at a guest house.
K. Shobha Reddy, proprietor of M/s Mithuna Ads, made the allegation in a social media post addressed to the Chief Minister.
She said she has been seeking a lawful and fair opportunity to work in the outdoor advertising sector for the past three years.
According to Shobha Reddy, she recently submitted revenue-sharing proposals seeking a temporary business opportunity until regular tenders are called.
She also alleged that certain advertisement structures continue to operate despite notices and unresolved compliance issues, while pilot projects and exemptions or relaxations from G.O.Ms.No.68 have been granted in some cases.
However, she said what disturbed her most was an incident that allegedly occurred when she tried to take her grievance to the government.
“While trying to place my genuine issue before the Government, I approached a person whom I understood to be closely associated with you, CM Sir. I was directly asked to come to a guest house to discuss my matter,” she wrote.
Shobha Reddy did not name the person involved and made it clear that she did not want to make personal allegations on a public platform.
She nevertheless stressed that a woman entrepreneur seeking a legitimate business opportunity should be able to approach the government through proper, transparent and dignified channels.
“I am not asking for any special favour, only a lawful opportunity, equal treatment and dignity,” she said.
Her post has now drawn attention because of the guest-house allegation as well as the broader questions she raised about transparency and equal treatment in the allocation of outdoor advertising opportunities.
There has been no publicly verified response to the specific allegation so far, and the identity of the person referred to in her post remains undisclosed.
