Civil society groups seek Revanth Reddy’s ouster over anti-Muslim remarks

Civil society organisations in Hyderabad have demanded Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s removal, accusing him of making anti-Muslim remarks during a campaign speech. They urged the Muslim community not to support the Congress in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election

Hyderabad: Civil society organisations have demanded that the Congress high command immediately sack Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his anti-Muslim rhetoric. They urged the Muslim community not to vote for the Congress party in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.

At a press conference held here on Friday, several noted Muslim personalities condemned Revanth Reddy’s recent statement at an election campaign rally.

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Revanth Reddy had said, “Congress hai toh Musalman hai, Congress hai toh aapki izzat hai, Congress nahi hai toh, aap kuch bhi nahi hai (If Congress is in power, Muslims have respect; if it is not, then Muslims have nothing)”.

Advocate Syed Taraq Quadri, former member of AP State Minorities Commission, said Muslims fear only the Allah and not any political party.

“The Chief Minister’s statement demeans the Muslim community in the State, he should tender unconditional apology. The Congress will face defeat in the Jubilee Hills election, Muslims should not vote for the Congress,” said Taraq Quadri.

Major SGM Quadri (Retd) of Help Hyderabad, a civil society group and NGO, said the Chief Minister should not underestimate the power of Muslims in Telangana as they can form or topple any government.

“The Chief Minister released a Muslim Declaration ahead of the Assembly elections in 2023 but so far nothing has been implemented. The promised Rs 4,000 crore budget for the community is an eye wash. The Chief Minister thinks Muslims can be taken for a ride, it will not be so,” Major Quadri said, adding that the Chief Minister was systematically finishing Muslim leadership in the State.

The civil society groups reiterated that they had supported the Congress party in 2023 elections hoping that it will help in the upliftment of the Muslim community. “The present Chief Minister is raising communal boundaries and indirectly threatening the Muslim community. The previous BRS government established residential schools for minorities, helped with scholarships and other welfare schemes,” said SS Tanvir, SC/ST Muslim Front convenor.

Saba Quadri, a social activist, said they had campaigned for the Congress party keeping in view the stand of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi towards the community.

“We used our own funds for campaigning for the Congress in 2023 believing the ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’ initiative. But the current Congress Chief Minister is not doing anything for the welfare of minorities in the State. Instead, he is sowing seeds of hatred,” said Saba Quadri.