Senior Congress leader and government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir declared on Saturday that the newly formed Congress administration in Telangana is committed to taking decisive steps to prevent communal disturbances. He emphasized the government's dedication to preserving peace and harmony across the state, offering strong assurances to minority communities as well as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Backward Classes (BC).
Key Meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami Leadership
The significant remarks were made during a meeting at Shabbir Ali's residence in Hyderabad's upscale Jubilee Hills area. He was hosting Mohd Azharuddin, the recently appointed President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind's Telangana unit. The meeting, marked by a cordial exchange, saw Azharuddin present the organisation's New Year diary. In return, Shabbir Ali honoured the Jamaat-e-Islami leader by presenting him with a shawl and a bouquet of flowers.
Following the formalities, the two leaders engaged in brief but substantive discussions concerning the current political and social environment in Telangana. The conversation centered on critical issues affecting the state's social fabric.
Progress on a New Hate Speech Legislation
A major point of discussion was the recent announcement by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding the introduction of a new law aimed at curbing hate speech. Mohd Azharuddin welcomed this proactive move, revealing that the demand for such specific legislation was initially put forward by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind during a meeting with the Chief Minister back in October.
Azharuddin extended his gratitude to advisor Shabbir Ali for actively pursuing the matter within the government. This persistent advocacy, he noted, has now materialized into a concrete legislative proposal designed to tackle hate speech and provide a stronger safeguard for minority communities in the state.
Concerns Over Societal Polarization
Both leaders expressed deep concern over what they perceive as deliberate attempts to polarize society. They pointed to the reigniting of debates on historically sensitive and potentially divisive topics like the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and atheism as tools for creating social friction.
Shabbir Ali addressed the ‘Vande Mataram’ issue directly, stating that there is no genuine controversy surrounding it. He accused certain political forces and groups of deliberately resurrecting old, settled issues. According to him, this strategy is primarily employed to divert public attention away from more pressing governance and developmental concerns that directly impact citizens' lives.
In his critique, Shabbir Ali specifically targeted the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre and media outlets affiliated with it. He alleged that these entities are actively promoting communal narratives to distract the populace. In contrast, he highlighted that the Congress government in Telangana is actively collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and other stakeholders to strengthen and uphold communal harmony.
Concluding his assurances, Shabbir Ali reinforced Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's vision for the state. He stated that the CM is firmly committed to a path of inclusive development. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of caste, religious belief, or social standing, benefits equally from the progress and prosperity of Telangana.
