Preparations are underway at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds ahead of the upcoming Numaish 2026, with workers setting up temporary structures and infrastructure in Hyderabad. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
For generations of Hyderabadis, the arrival of the All India Industrial Exhibition or Numaish has been a highly anticipated annual ritual. As preparations for the 2026 edition are underway, a major stand allocation row has emerged, with allegations that stands to be allocated through a formal application process are being sold at double or even triple the official prices through a network of brokers.
When a Hindu reporter visited the fairgrounds to ask if it was still possible to set up a stall for Numaish, which is scheduled to start on January 1, several people present at the site said that the legitimate application process ended on November 15.
Preparations are underway at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds ahead of the upcoming Numaish 2026, with workers setting up temporary structures and infrastructure in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Another person directed the reporter to the Ajanta Gate area and suggested that brokers based there could secure a stall at a higher price. “Wo Ajanta Gate ke pass jaake malum karo, dukaan miljati aapku (Go to Ajanta Gate and ask, one of the brokers there will help you get a booth),” he said, noting that the situation is similar to buying black-screen movie tickets.
While the allotment of stalls officially follows a documented application process, the reality is different, according to the allegations. A few brokers are said to have secured a few stalls at officially prescribed prices and then sell or resell them to vendors at grossly inflated prices.
Preparations are underway at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds ahead of the upcoming Numaish 2026, with workers setting up temporary structures and infrastructure in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
According to the Numaish 2026 application, the rent for a regular 10×12 booth is ₹1 lakh. An 8×8 double sided small stall costs ₹1.15 lakh. Periphery stall fares are ₹1.55 from Gate 1 to Gate 2, ₹3.05 from Gate 2 to Gate 3 and ₹2.05 from Gate 3 to Sarojini Naidu Vanita College. The form also states that stalls in prime locations will attract an additional premium to be decided by the exhibiting company.
However, Mr. Abrar, who brought the issue to light, claimed that a booth with an official price of ₹1,000 is being sold at ₹2,00,000, while a booth at ₹1,15,000,000 is selling at ₹4,3,00,000. Peripheral stalls priced at ₹ 3.05 lakh are said to sell for ₹ 8 lakh and those priced at ₹ 2.05 lakh for around ₹ 4 lakh.
Mohammed Sardar, who ran a stall called ‘AR Rajasthan’ at the show this year selling bed sheets and other items, said he paid ₹9.5 lakh for a fringe stall with an official price of ₹2.05 lakh. “I was the third buyer of that stall. Initially, a broker bought it for ₹2.05 lakh, then it was sold to someone for ₹7 lakh. Finally, I had to buy it for ₹9.5 lakh,” he said.
A group of affected persons has written to the Chief Minister, IT Minister and Director General of Police alleging non-transparent and discriminatory practices in allotment of stalls. “Some individuals involved in the allotment process were allotted multiple shops, in some cases up to 50 stalls, which looked like benami and were meant to serve their own interests. Shops were diverted through fake or proxy allotments, resulting in gross discrimination among genuine applicants,” their representation said.
Meanwhile, Exhibition Society Secretary Rajeshwar denied the allegations and said the process is transparent and only those who do not have stalls make such allegations. “Allotment is not done in any closed or segregated place. Applicants are called, officials are present and the process is done in front of everyone,” he said.
Published – 18 Dec 2025 20:57 IST
