Hyderabad, October 16: Congress senior leader and Advisor to the Telangana Government (SC, ST, OBC & Minorities), Mohammed Ali Shabbir, has firmly rejected accusations that the Congress government has neglected minority welfare in its recent initiatives. Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, alongside Hyderabad DCC President Mohammed Waliullah Sameer and other leaders, Shabbir Ali emphasized that the Revanth Reddy-led Congress administration is dedicated to ensuring justice and equal opportunities for minorities and marginalized communities.
Responding to claims of minority exclusion, Shabbir Ali clarified that the Congress government is actively working for the inclusion of all sections, especially minorities, in key welfare schemes. He specifically addressed concerns about the Government Orders (GO) Ms No. 33 and GO Ms No. 18. GO Ms No. 33, issued on October 11, pertains to the formation of Indiramma Committees at the Gram Panchayat and Municipal Ward levels as part of the Indiramma Indlu housing program, which aims to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the construction of new houses for the homeless. Shabbir assured that minorities, particularly Muslim groups categorized under BC-E, are fully eligible to participate in these committees.
He further explained that each Gram Panchayat committee would include representatives from BC, SC, and ST communities, alongside two women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ensuring that minorities are not sidelined. At the municipal level, ward councillors or corporators would head similar committees. This structure, Shabbir said, guarantees representation of minorities at all administrative levels.
Addressing concerns about the comprehensive household survey mandated by GO Ms No. 18, Shabbir Ali highlighted that the survey is designed to assess the socio-economic and educational conditions of citizens across Telangana. With nearly 85% of Muslims classified under BC-E, they are automatically covered by the survey, while other minorities will be included under weaker sections. Shabbir reiterated that the Congress government’s commitment to secularism ensures that no community is excluded from its welfare measures.
Shabbir Ali also spoke on the Congress government’s efforts to improve educational opportunities for minorities. He announced the launch of the “Young India Integrated Residential Schools” project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on October 12. The project, which will establish 28 schools in its first phase, is designed to accommodate 2,500 students per school, providing quality education for all communities, including minorities and differently-abled individuals. With a budget of Rs 5,000 crore, the schools will offer modern facilities like digital libraries and smart classrooms.
Taking a critical stance against the previous BRS government, Shabbir Ali accused the BRS of failing to deliver on its promise of 12% Muslim reservations. In contrast, the Congress government has taken steps to provide significant representation for minorities in various sectors. Shabbir pointed out that several Muslims have been appointed to key positions, including Additional Advocate General, Government Pleaders, and a member of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). He also highlighted the appointments of Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj to DSP posts, as part of the government’s efforts to encourage youth participation in sports.
Shabbir further criticized the BRS regime for its neglect of minority educational institutions, noting that under their tenure, over 80% of minority engineering and professional colleges were shut down. The Congress government has since added 2,200 seats in minority colleges and sanctioned the establishment of new law and pharmacy colleges. Additionally, recent recruitments have seen significant participation from minority candidates, with 720 minority appointments in the 10,006 DSC posts.
In response to questions about the Musi Riverfront project, Shabbir Ali dismissed BRS Working President K. Tarakarama Rao’s claims of a Rs 1.5 lakh crore investment as baseless. He emphasized that the Congress government would follow due procedures, including the publication of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for public consultation. Shabbir accused the BRS leadership of amassing personal wealth while ignoring the development of regions around the Musi River.
Shabbir also rejected allegations that Congress encouraged defections, countering that it was the BRS that initiated the culture of political defections. He recalled how, during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, several Congress MLCs were made to defect to BRS, depriving him of his post.
Concluding his address, Shabbir Ali called for vigilance against false propaganda aimed at undermining minority welfare, stressing that the Congress government is committed to justice, equality, and the upliftment of all communities
MBT leader Amjadullah Khan also expressed strong disapproval, stating that the current Congress government is completely ignoring minorities, particularly Muslims. Today, during a press conference, Shabbir Ali objected to Amjadullah Khan’s repeated reference to Hindu-Muslim issues, pointing out that whenever there is any injustice or oppression against Muslims, Khan has consistently highlighted Shabbir Ali’s position on social media.
