Shabbir Ali assures strict action against hate speech to protect communal harmony

Hyderabad: Advisor to the Telangana Government for SC, ST, OBC and Minorities Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Saturday said the Congress-led state government would take strict action against hate speech to protect communal harmony across Telangana.

Shabbir Ali made the statement during a meeting with Mohammed Azharuddin, the newly appointed Telangana president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, at his residence in Jubilee Hills. During the meeting, Azharuddin presented the organisation’s New Year diary, after which Shabbir Ali felicitated him with a shawl and bouquet.

The two leaders discussed the prevailing political and social situation in the state. Shabbir Ali said the government would act firmly against communal forces and ensure peace and communal harmony in all regions.

Azharuddin welcomed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s announcement on bringing a new law to curb hate speech. He said Jamaat-e-Islami had raised the demand for such legislation during a meeting with the Chief Minister in October. He thanked Shabbir Ali for following up on the issue, which he said had now resulted in a concrete proposal to address hate speech and protect minority communities.

Communal harmony central to Telangana government’s approach

During the interaction, the leaders expressed concern over attempts to polarise society through debates on sensitive issues such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and atheism. Shabbir Ali said there was no real controversy over ‘Vande Mataram’ and accused certain groups of reviving old issues to divert attention from pressing public concerns.

He also dismissed the controversy surrounding atheist views expressed by lyricist Javed Akhtar. Shabbir Ali said non-belief had existed throughout history and should not become a tool for political polarisation or media sensationalism.

Criticising the BJP-led NDA government, Shabbir Ali alleged that its affiliated media outlets were promoting divisive narratives to distract the public. He said the Telangana Congress government was working closely with NGOs, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to safeguard communal harmony.

Shabbir Ali said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy remained committed to inclusive development. He added that the government aimed to ensure that people from all castes, religions and social backgrounds benefited equally from the state’s progress.