Shabbir Ali calls for unity through education and voting
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader Shabbir Ali has appealed to Telangana’s Muslim community to recognise the strength of their vote and the value of education as twin pillars of empowerment. Addressing Friday worshippers at Masjid-e-Kaneez Fatima in Ameerpet, he reminded the audience that every vote symbolises dignity and representation.
“Your vote is your voice,” he declared. “When you vote, you safeguard your rights and ensure your place in democracy. When you abstain, you allow others to decide your future.” He urged every eligible voter to participate actively in the forthcoming elections, particularly in the Jubilee Hills bypolls.
The Congress leader warned that silence during elections leads to loss of influence. “We are nearly 13% of Telangana’s population, yet if we fail to vote, we silence ourselves for the next five years,” he noted.
Referring to the recent caste and community survey, Shabbir Ali observed that only 2.5% of Muslims in Telangana are economically stable, despite forming a significant demographic. “This figure underlines our backwardness, which can only change through education and civic awareness. The first step is casting your vote,” he said.
Shabbir Ali stresses education as foundation of empowerment
He expressed disappointment over low voter turnout among educated Muslims and professionals and appealed for 100% participation. Linking political and social progress, Shabbir Ali recalled that the Congress government’s 2004 decision to introduce 4% Muslim reservation opened doors for lakhs of students. “More than 22 lakh Muslim students have benefited so far, creating new generations of doctors and engineers,” he said.
Citing data from Kaloji Narayana Rao University, he said 1,248 Muslim students, including 700 girls, were admitted to medical colleges this year. “The success of our daughters is a sign of change,” he remarked, urging parents to nurture discipline at home. “Education begins with guidance from parents. Encourage children to study regularly and manage their time responsibly.”
He described education as a guiding current that shapes a child’s destiny. “Like a river finding the ocean, learning gives direction and purpose,” he said, adding that neglecting education weakens the foundation of faith and progress.
“The first revelation of the Quran is ‘Iqra’ — to read and learn,” he reminded, calling it a divine command for knowledge. Concluding his address, Shabbir Ali said education and voting together define a community’s dignity and power. “Education gives us confidence, and voting gives us voice. We must embrace both,” he said.
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