Hyderabad, October 19: Senior Congress leader and Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir recalled the historic launch of the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra in 1990 and reaffirmed the Congress party’s enduring commitment to secularism and social justice at the yatra’s 35th anniversary event held at Charminar on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Shabbir said that the yatra was launched by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at a time when communal tensions had engulfed the country, including Hyderabad. “In 1990, Rajiv Gandhi instructed then Chief Minister Dr M. Channa Reddy, PCC President V. Hanumantha Rao, and me, then a minister, to accompany him as he began the Sadbhavana Yatra from Charminar to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial in Secunderabad,” he said. He recalled that senior leader T. Niranjan welcomed Rajiv Gandhi and hoisted the first flag, which still stands as a symbol of peace and unity.

Shabbir congratulated senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid on receiving this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award. “His long-standing service to the Congress and the nation, as well as the legacy of his family in Indian politics, make him a deserving recipient,” he said. He highlighted Khurshid’s role in key Union ministries, including Law and External Affairs, and noted that his family had contributed significantly to public life for generations.

The Congress leader also recalled how the Sadbhavana Yatra tradition was kept alive over the years and how it was revived by Rahul Gandhi in 2022. “Some had said he would not stop at Hyderabad, but Revanth Reddy, Uttam Kumar Reddy, and I insisted that the yatra would be incomplete without a flag hoisting at Charminar. Rahul Gandhi agreed, and that day became a historic moment,” he said.

He said that nearly two lakh people, including large numbers of women, gathered at Charminar in 2022 to welcome Rahul Gandhi. Despite apprehensions of disturbances, the event was conducted peacefully, reinforcing Charminar’s image as a symbol of communal unity. “The four minarets of Charminar represent the unity of communities. That day, they stood tall as witnesses to harmony,” he said.

Shabbir praised Salman Khurshid for his legal efforts in defending the 4% Muslim reservation in Telangana. “He appeared in the Supreme Court on behalf of the state without charging even a rupee, although such cases usually cost between ₹15–25 lakh. His selfless support is part of history now,” he said.

He further stated that the Telangana Congress government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, was working to raise the BC reservation quota to 42% and extend Muslim reservation to 10%, supported by a comprehensive household survey. “No other state has conducted such a detailed survey. Telangana is the first, and this will help us defend our case both legally and politically,” he added.

Shabbir criticised the BJP-led Central Government for delaying the reservation Bill passed unanimously by the Telangana Assembly, blaming the Governor for not forwarding it to the Centre. “The BJP has deceived both Backward Classes and Minorities, while the BRS played the role of a silent supporter,” he said.

Rejecting claims that the Congress government had slowed down, Shabbir said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was working tirelessly for all sections of society. “There is no discrimination in Telangana. Whether Hindu, Muslim, Dalit, or Christian — all are receiving the benefits of government schemes,” he asserted.

He highlighted that after 13 years, new ration cards were being issued, children’s names were being added, and every family was receiving fine rice. Women of all communities were availing free bus travel, and 200 units of free electricity were being provided across households. He also mentioned that National Integrated Hostels were being built to accommodate students from all communities together, promoting social harmony. “Nearly 70 to 76 hostels have already been completed,” he said.

Shabbir Ali spoke of the government’s efforts in higher education for minorities, noting the sanctioning of engineering and law colleges for institutions like Jamia Islamia in Mahbubnagar and Shadan College, along with the addition of 2,000 engineering seats and the establishment of pharmacy colleges in Jagtial and Hyderabad.

Referring to the recent results in government recruitment, he said 11 Muslim candidates from the 4% quota had qualified in Group-I services and 785 in Group-II, apart from several police constables. “This proves that reservation is producing tangible, positive outcomes,” he said.

Dismissing allegations that Revanth Reddy was indifferent to minority issues, Shabbir said the Chief Minister was working with sincerity and commitment. “He operates quietly but efficiently, upholding the secular values championed by Rajiv Gandhi,” he said.

He concluded by remembering Rajiv Gandhi’s sacrifice for communal harmony, noting that the former Prime Minister had continued his Sadbhavana journey even on the day of his assassination. “His courage and commitment are a guiding force for us even today,” he said.

Congratulating Niranjan Ji and the Sadbhavana Committee for recognising Salman Khurshid’s contributions, he called the award a tribute to a truly secular leader. “We pray for his long life and continued service to the nation,” he said. (eom)