Prioritise minority welfare over iftar parties, SIO to Congress government

Says allocation of Rs 70 crore for ‘iftar gatherings’ raises concerns about government’s misplaced priorities regarding long-term welfare of the Muslim community

Hyderabad: The Students Islamic Organization (SIO) Telangana urged the State government to prioritise real empowerment and welfare of minority communities through education, employment, financial assistance and other essential measures.

The organisation’s statement came in view of allocation of a whopping budget of Rs 70 crore for ‘iftar gatherings’.

---

“It raises serious concerns about the government’s misplaced priorities regarding the long-term welfare of the Muslim community. Policies should reflect genuine commitment to the community’s progress rather than serve as short-term political appeasement,” said Mohammed Faraz Ahmed, State president of SIO.

Despite repeated appeals for substantial support in crucial areas such as scholarships, the minority sub-plan, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment, these pressing issues continue to be ignored. “Instead of investing in sustainable welfare programs, the government has chosen to spend an enormous amount on an Iftar event, appearing more as a political spectacle than a genuine effort to uplift the community,” he said.

Mohammed Faraz further stated that the Muslim community does not seek symbolic gestures but demands real, long-term initiatives for educational, economic, and social progress.

“Is the government genuinely committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of Muslims, or does it believe that optics-driven politics and symbolic events like Iftar are sufficient to fulfill its responsibilities?” he asked.