Muslim Empowerment Depends on Political Power, Says Shabbir Ali in Hyderabad
Muslim empowerment depends on political power and representation, says Shabbir Ali in Hyderabad, highlighting 4% reservation benefits and Congress commitment to inclusive governance.
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday said that real empowerment of Muslims is possible only through strong political representation and participation in decision-making bodies. He stressed that social and economic progress must be backed by political power to be meaningful and sustainable.
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Shabbir Ali made these remarks while addressing a gathering after releasing the New Year calendar of the All-Minority Employees Welfare Association in Hyderabad.
Political Representation Key to Muslim Empowerment
Highlighting the demographic strength of the community, Shabbir Ali said Muslims form nearly 15 percent of Telangana’s population, yet their representation in politics and governance must match their numbers.
He said:
- Political participation gives communities a direct voice in policymaking
- Representation ensures fair access to welfare schemes
- Empowerment without political power remains incomplete
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4% Muslim Reservation Brought Major Benefits
Recalling a landmark decision, Shabbir Ali spoke about the 4 percent reservation for socially and educationally backward Muslims, introduced in 2004 under the Congress government led by Y. S. Rajashekhara Reddy.
According to him:
- Over 22 lakh poor Muslim families benefited across the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh
- Thousands of Muslim students gained entry into professional courses
- The community secured its rightful share in government jobs since 2004–05, except during brief legal hurdles
BC-E Status Strengthened Political Participation
Shabbir Ali said political empowerment was further strengthened by including Muslims under the BC-E category.
This step helped:
- Muslims contest BC-reserved seats
- Elect hundreds of Muslim representatives in rural and urban local bodies
- Ensure representation in cooperative societies, market committees, and statutory institutions
He said these measures helped bring Muslims into the mainstream of governance.
Warning Against Communal Politics
Cautioning the community, Shabbir Ali warned Muslims against falling into what he described as communal and diversionary politics. He referred to renewed controversies such as debates around Vande Mataram, saying such issues are often used to distract from real governance and development.
Congress Committed to Inclusive and Secular Governance
Reiterating the Congress party’s stand, Shabbir Ali said the Telangana government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is committed to secular governance and inclusive representation.
He said the government aims to ensure that:
- All communities have space, voice, and freedom
- Policies remain inclusive and non-discriminatory
- Social harmony and equal opportunity are protected
Call for Active Political Participation
Concluding his address, Shabbir Ali urged Muslims to actively engage in democratic processes, saying political awareness and participation are the strongest tools for empowerment.
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