Shabbir Ali vows to protect 4% Muslim quota, urges support for Congress in Jubilee Hills bypoll

Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Telangana Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir Ali said that only the Congress possesses both the commitment and capacity to protect the 4 per cent Muslim reservation and uphold the rights of marginalised communities. Addressing a public meeting at Janapriya Grounds in Erragadda on Sunday, he appealed to voters in Jubilee Hills to support Congress candidate Naveen Yadav in the November 11 by-election.

Congress credited for introducing the Muslim quota

Recalling how the Congress government created the Muslim reservation policy in 2004–05, Shabbir Ali said the measure had enabled nearly 22 lakh financially disadvantaged Muslims to enter professional courses such as medicine, engineering, MBA and MCA. “This historic decision opened doors for thousands of families who were once denied opportunity,” he said. “Congress alone had the courage and vision to implement and sustain such a reform.”

He said the policy’s impact proved Congress’s long-standing focus on equity, education and empowerment. The party, he noted, remained the only one prepared to defend the quota’s continuation against legal or political challenges.

Naveen Yadav’s win will validate welfare governance

Shabbir Ali said that a victory for Naveen Yadav would reaffirm public confidence in the state government’s welfare and development agenda. “A vote for Naveen is a vote for justice, equity and social progress,” he said, adding that the by-poll offered citizens a chance to support policies benefiting low-income and backward communities.

He said that since coming to power, the Congress had consistently worked to strengthen schemes that improved the lives of farmers, workers and students. He urged voters to see their support as a mandate for inclusive governance in Telangana.

Congress to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act

Reiterating the party’s legal stand, Shabbir Ali said the Congress would challenge the Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court to safeguard minority rights. “This is not merely a legal matter but a combined social and political struggle against forces that undermine inclusive governance,” he said. He called the move a necessary step to protect the constitutional and institutional framework of the Waqf system in India.

BRS accused of acting as BJP’s covert partner

Shabbir Ali warned voters not to be misled by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which he described as a “covert ally” of the BJP. He alleged that the BRS had supported the BJP on at least 14 occasions in Parliament, helping it pass controversial bills that hurt Telangana’s interests. “Calling the BRS secular is a deception; voting for it only strengthens the BJP,” he said.

He added that the BRS’s role in dividing the secular vote was a key reason for the rise of divisive politics in the state. He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and to base their decision on principles rather than false promises.

Congress highlights new welfare schemes

Listing the initiatives of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s government, Shabbir Ali said programmes such as fine rice distribution, issuance of new ration cards, 200 free units of electricity for poor families, and free bus travel for women demonstrated Congress’s commitment to inclusive growth. He said public support would help expand these schemes further and reach every deserving household.

He noted that the Revanth Reddy government had restored confidence among citizens by prioritising social welfare and transparent governance, making Telangana a model for progressive administration.

Appeal to reject divisive politics and vote for Congress

Concluding his address, Shabbir Ali urged voters in Jubilee Hills to reject divisive forces and vote for the Congress hand symbol on polling day. “Each vote for Congress is a vote to protect reservation, secure justice, and uphold Telangana’s secular spirit,” he said. He expressed confidence that the public would once again stand with Congress to defend inclusive governance and social harmony.