Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Advisor to the Telangana Government, Mohammed Ali Shabbi, said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was determined to raise the Muslim quota in Telangana from 4 per cent to 10 per cent. The increase will follow the completion of the government’s effort to secure a 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
Reservation plan grounded in caste survey findings
Speaking after Friday prayers in Erragadda during the Jubilee Hills by-election campaign, Shabbir Ali stated that the Congress government remained firmly committed to empowering marginalised communities through fair representation. Moreover, he explained that the new reservation policy would rely on findings from the recent caste survey, which revealed that 10.08 per cent of Telangana’s Muslim population falls under the BC-E category and continues to face economic and educational deprivation.
Continuing Congress legacy of inclusion
Recalling past efforts, Shabbir Ali said the Congress government had introduced a 4 per cent quota for Muslims in 2004–05, transforming the lives of more than 20 lakh poor families. Since then, the policy has served as a foundation for minority progress. “Now, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy intends to continue that legacy and ensure every disadvantaged Muslim family gains equal access to education, jobs, and welfare,” he added.
He emphasised that the Congress approach was based on justice rather than appeasement. Therefore, he said, “The 42 per cent BC quota and the proposed 10 per cent Muslim quota represent rightful inclusion. Empowerment must reach those who have long been denied their share.”
Door-to-door campaign in Jubilee Hills
During the campaign, Shabbir Ali and Government Whip A. Srinivas led an extensive door-to-door outreach in the Erragadda divisions. They urged residents to support Congress candidate Naveen Yadav and, at the same time, highlighted welfare schemes and reforms introduced over the past 20 months. Consequently, the campaign drew strong support in minority areas, where residents welcomed new education and housing initiatives.
Restoring faith among marginalised groups
Shabbir Ali noted that the Revanth Reddy government had rebuilt public confidence through transparent recruitment and greater inclusion in state institutions. In addition, he pointed out that qualified minority professionals were now serving in key administrative and legal positions, demonstrating the government’s inclusive governance model.
Criticism of the previous BRS regime
Further, Shabbir Ali criticised the previous BRS government for failing to honour its promise of 12 per cent Muslim reservation. “In practice, it delivered barely 3 per cent,” he said. He added that the BRS also slashed welfare budgets, leaving institutions like Telangana Minorities Residential Schools underfunded and neglected.
Appeal for justice and equality
Finally, Shabbir Ali appealed to voters to stand with the Congress in the Jubilee Hills by-election. “This election is not merely about power; it is a movement for justice and dignity,” he said. “With people’s support, the government will make the 10 per cent Muslim quota a reality.”
