No Muslim in Telangana Cabinet, No Faith in Congress: Shaik Abdullah Sohail Slams Government

Hyderabad, June 20: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) senior leader and Minority Cell chief Shaik Abdullah Sohail launched a strong and pointed critique of the Congress government in Telangana, accusing it of betraying the Muslim community that had overwhelmingly supported the party in the 2023 Assembly elections. The remarks came a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s birthday and coincided with the distribution of pamphlets by BRS workers across Muslim localities in Hyderabad following Friday prayers.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

The pamphlets, circulated in areas with high Muslim populations, called out the Congress’ slogan of social justice as hollow, highlighting the absence of Muslim representation in the state cabinet and other key political and administrative bodies.

“Muslims Betrayed After Electing Congress”

In a press conference, Abdullah Sohail declared:

“Even after 18 months in power, not a single promise made to the Muslim community has been fulfilled. We feel abandoned, humiliated, and used. There is no Muslim minister in the cabinet, no MP representing us in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha from Telangana, and no significant role given to Muslim leaders in over 50 state corporations.”

This marks the first time since 1952 that the Telangana cabinet has no Muslim representation. Sohail termed it a “historic betrayal” and warned that the Congress party was rapidly losing its credibility among the very communities that brought it to power.

He compared the current situation with the BRS regime, under which Mohammed Mahmood Ali was made Deputy Chief Minister and later Home Minister, and multiple Muslims were given nominated posts with real authority.

Unfulfilled Promises of the Minorities Declaration

Sohail also tore into the Congress’ pre-election “Minorities Declaration”, calling it fraudulent and “election-time eyewash.” The declaration promised:

A ₹4,000 crore minority welfare budget with 100% utilisation
₹1,000 crore in annual loans for youth and women
Caste census
Graveyard land protection
Skill development programs and educational scholarships

“None of these promises have seen the light of day. The Abdul Kalam Taufa-e-Taleem scheme was never launched. Loans for minority youth and women remain zero. Even the Shaadi Mubarak scheme, which provides marriage assistance, is faltering—only ₹282 crore of the ₹650 crore allocated has been spent,” Sohail said.

Allegations of Silent Approval of Communal Violence

The BRS leader accused the government of turning a blind eye to rising communal incidents across the state:

Qutub Shahi Masjid demolition in Moinabad
Riots in Sangareddy, Suryapet, and Nizamabad
Assaults on Muslim youth and girls offering namaz in Wanaparthy
Jainoor riots affecting minority communities

“In none of these incidents did the Chief Minister or any Congress minister visit the victims, or condemn the violence publicly. Instead, the CM chose to review the establishment of cow shelters during Bakrid violence. What message does that send?” Sohail asked.

Controversial Recognition of the ‘Razakar’ Film

Sohail also criticised the Congress government for awarding BJP leader Gudur Narayana Reddy’s film ‘Razakar’ as the Best Historical Film, calling it a deeply communal and polarising move.

“This film was nothing but a propaganda vehicle to demonise Muslims before the elections. It flopped at the box office, yet the Congress government honoured it. And worse, the award was named after Gaddar, a secular icon. This is a shameful insult to Gaddar’s legacy,” he said.

A Warning to Congress

In his closing remarks, Abdullah Sohail issued a stern warning to the Congress party:

“This is not poor governance—it is a betrayal of historic proportions. You used Muslims as a vote bank and then discarded them. If the government continues to ignore us, this anger and disillusionment will shape the future of Telangana’s politics, and not in the Congress’ favour.”

Political Significance

Sohail’s speech is likely to resonate deeply in the Telangana political sphere, especially with elections to local bodies and Parliament on the horizon. The BRS is attempting to reassert its hold over the Muslim electorate, which played a pivotal role in the Congress’ 2023 Assembly victory. With these fresh allegations and the community’s growing frustration, the Congress may now be facing an early test of its promises on inclusivity and governance.

Opinion & Conclusion by Crime Today News

The concerns raised by Shaik Abdullah Sohail reflect a growing frustration within Telangana’s Muslim community—one that cannot be ignored. Representation in governance is not merely symbolic; it is essential for inclusive development and democratic accountability. When a community that constitutes nearly 15% of the population finds itself without a voice in the cabinet, in the Assembly, or in key decision-making institutions, questions about social justice and political sincerity inevitably arise.

Congress had positioned itself as a secular and inclusive alternative during the 2023 elections, but the ground reality now seems to challenge that image. From unfulfilled welfare promises to controversial recognitions like the award to the Razakar film, the party risks alienating a constituency that played a decisive role in its return to power.

The exclusion of Muslims from governance, if not corrected, will not only deepen distrust but could reshape the political landscape in Telangana. As a media platform committed to truth and equity, Crime Today News urges the government to uphold its commitments, restore confidence, and ensure that every community in Telangana feels seen, heard, and fairly represented.