Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday appealed to the Muslim community to use their vote wisely and prioritise education as twin instruments for empowerment and dignity.
‘Your vote is your existence,’ says Shabbir Ali
Speaking at Masjid-e-Kaneez Fatima in Madhura Nagar before Friday prayers, Shabbir Ali told worshippers that each vote carries the weight of identity and voice. He encouraged every eligible Muslim to cast their vote in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.
“Your vote is your existence,” he said. “If you don’t vote, others will decide your future. By voting, you protect your rights and ensure your representation.”
Shabbir cites backwardness, urges higher turnout
Referring to Telangana’s recent caste and community survey, he pointed out that Muslims form nearly 13% of the population but only 2.5% have economic stability. “This gap reflects our backwardness. Voting is the first step to change,” he explained.
He urged educated Muslims and professionals to lead by example and ensure full turnout in their areas. “A silent community loses its voice for the next five years,” he cautioned.
Education and reservation pivotal to uplift
Highlighting the importance of education, Shabbir Ali recalled the 4% Muslim reservation introduced by the Congress in 2004. “That decision opened doors. More than 22 lakh Muslim students have progressed since then, entering professional fields across India,” he said.
He also cited this year’s admissions data from Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences. “This year, 1,248 Muslim students joined medical colleges in Telangana. Among them, nearly 700 are girls. That’s a source of pride for us,” he said.
Knowledge begins at home, says Congress leader
Shabbir Ali urged parents to instil discipline in their children early. “Make sure they sleep on time, study consistently, and stay away from distractions. Our generation made sacrifices. Now it’s your responsibility to build on that,” he said.
Quoting the Quran’s first command, “Iqra” (read), he reminded the audience that knowledge forms the core of the community’s identity. “If we neglect education, we lose both strength and direction,” he said.
Education and voting are twin pillars of empowerment
He defended the Muslim reservation policy, saying it had initially faced criticism but has proven its impact. “Today, our community has doctors, engineers, scientists and civil servants because of that single measure,” he noted.
Concluding his address, Shabbir Ali called for combined focus on education and electoral participation. “Education gives us dignity. Voting gives us strength. Together, they protect our future,” he said. He assured continued support for education and welfare as an advisor to the government.
