- Congress leader stresses need for 100% Muslim turnout in Jubilee Hills by-polls
- Calls education and voting the two pillars of community empowerment
Senior Congress leader and Advisor to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday urged Muslims to recognise the true power of their vote and the transformative role of education in shaping their future. Addressing worshippers at Masjid-e-Kaneez Fatima in Madhura Nagar, Ameerpet, before Friday prayers, he appealed to the community to ensure 100% polling in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.
“Your vote is your existence. When you vote, you protect your rights, your representation, and your place in the system. If you stop voting, your strength will fade, and others will decide your future,” Shabbir Ali said. He emphasised that democratic participation defines a community’s visibility and strength. Although Muslims comprise nearly 13% of Telangana’s population, he warned that low voter turnout would weaken their political and social influence.
Highlighting economic and educational challenges revealed in the State’s recent caste and community survey, Shabbir Ali noted that only 2.5% of Muslims were economically stable. “This data reflects our social and educational backwardness, which must be addressed through collective awareness and action. Voting is the first step toward empowerment,” he remarked. He expressed concern that educated Muslims and professionals often failed to participate fully in elections and urged them to set an example of civic responsibility.
Turning to education, Shabbir Ali recalled the Congress government’s decision in 2004 to introduce a 4% Muslim reservation in education and employment. “When we started this initiative with sincerity, our focus was on education. Today, nearly 22 lakh Muslim students have benefited, and thousands have become doctors, engineers, and professionals,” he said. Citing recent data from Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, he added that 1,248 Muslim students, including about 700 girls, secured admission to medical colleges this year. “Girls are now leading in several professional courses. Their progress is a source of pride for all of us,” he stated.
He appealed to parents to play a central role in guiding their children’s education. “We must teach our children to sleep early, study regularly, and stay away from distractions. Our generation made sacrifices; now it is the duty of parents to ensure their children build on that foundation,” he said. Describing education as a river that gives direction to life, he added that knowledge is the foundation of identity and dignity.
Shabbir Ali concluded that Muslims must embrace both education and electoral participation equally. “Education gives dignity, and voting gives power. Together, they define our identity and protect our future,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to supporting educational and welfare initiatives for the community.
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