Telangana Chief Minister Targets BJP and BRS at Minorities Welfare Day Event

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has positioned the Congress party as the sole political force capable of fighting the Bharatiya Janata Party while criticizing the Bharat Rashtra Samithi for misleading Muslim voters. Speaking in Hyderabad on Wednesday during Minorities Welfare Day, which marks the birth anniversary of the first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mr. Reddy challenged the BJP to first abolish the 4% reservation for Muslims in Gujarat if it truly opposes the quota.

Political Attacks

Mr. Reddy referred to BJP leaders visiting from Delhi as tourists and stated that the Congress works for minorities alongside the majority in education and health. Directing his criticism at the BRS, he accused the party of failing to deliver on its past promise of a 12% reservation for Muslims over twelve years and claimed its election symbol, the car, turns into the BJP's lotus in Delhi. He also alleged that BRS leadership deceives Muslim voters by speaking Urdu during festivals while ultimately cooperating with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Education and Welfare

Recalling the historical contributions of Maulana Azad under former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Chief Minister credited him with laying the foundation for IITs. He criticized the Union government led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for stopping scholarships for minority students. Mr. Reddy emphasized that the government must focus on education and minority welfare to make India a world leader, noting that quality education and skill development are vital as artificial intelligence impacts IT sector jobs.

City Development

Turning to local infrastructure, Mr. Reddy noted that the government has sped up Metro Rail work in the Old City. He stated that the Musi rejuvenation project will boost the local economy and employment, and mentioned plans to develop a night time economy along the river. Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Government Advisor Mohammad Ali Shabbir also spoke at the event.

Context

Minorities Welfare Day in India is observed on the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to honor his legacy as the country's first education minister and his role in shaping modern national education policy. Regional political debates surrounding minority reservations and welfare schemes often surface during public events in states like Telangana. Infrastructure projects such as Metro expansions and riverfront developments are frequently highlighted by state leaders to showcase urban growth and employment initiatives.