Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] November 25: Telangana Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA KT Rama Rao clarified that the 4 percent Muslim reservation in the state is not based on religion but on the socio-economic status within the community. His statement comes in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the BJP government would end Muslim reservations in Telangana once in power.
Rao emphasized that the Muslim reservation is aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities rather than religious preferences. He urged Amit Shah to consider this perspective before making statements. Rao also expressed confidence that the BJP’s attempt to polarize the state would not succeed.
During a recent campaign roadshow in Rajendra Nagar Assembly Constituency, Shah outlined the party’s promises, including the appointment of a Chief Minister from the backward class, ending Muslim reservations, and providing reservations to SC, ST, OBC, and the Madiga community.
Responding to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s remarks on Telangana’s per capita income, Rao suggested that Ramesh review the socio-economic survey. Rao pointed out that all 33 districts of Telangana have a per capita income higher than the national average.
The upcoming assembly elections in Telangana are scheduled for November 30, with the ruling BRS, Congress, and BJP as the main contenders. The results will be announced on December 3.
In the previous Assembly election held in 2018, the BRS (previously known as TRS) secured a resounding victory, winning 88 of the 119 seats and holding 47.4 percent of the total vote share. The Congress party trailed behind with just 19 seats.
Telangana’s 4 percent Muslim reservation, as emphasized by Minister KT Rama Rao, is a reflection of the government’s commitment to address economic and social disparities in the Muslim community. The distinction between religion and socio-economic status is central to the intent behind this reservation, as Rao highlighted. With the assembly elections approaching, the political landscape in Telangana remains highly charged, and the promises made by various parties will undoubtedly shape the electoral outcome.
