Hyderabad, January 3: Advisor to the Telangana Government for SC, ST, OBC and Minorities, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, on Saturday, assured that the Congress-led state government would take firm measures to curb communal forces and maintain peace and harmony across the state.

Shabbir Ali made the remarks during a meeting with Mohammed Azharuddin, the newly appointed President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Telangana), at his residence in Jubilee Hills. Azharuddin presented the organisation’s New Year diary, following which Shabbir Ali felicitated him with a shawl and a bouquet. The two leaders held brief discussions on the prevailing political and social climate in Telangana.

Azharuddin welcomed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s recent announcement regarding a new law to curb hate speech. He recalled that the demand for such legislation was raised by Jamaat-e-Islami during a meeting with the Chief Minister in October. He thanked Shabbir Ali for pursuing the matter, which has now resulted in a concrete proposal to address hate speech and safeguard minority communities.

The leaders expressed concern over attempts to polarise society through debates on sensitive and divisive topics such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and atheism. Shabbir Ali clarified that there is no real controversy over ‘Vande Mataram’, and accused certain forces of raking up old issues to divert attention from more pressing public concerns. He also dismissed the controversy surrounding atheist views expressed by lyricist Javed Akhtar, stating that non-belief has existed throughout history and should not be sensationalised.

Shabbir Ali criticised the BJP-led NDA government and its affiliated media outlets for allegedly promoting communal narratives to distract the public. He said the Congress government in Telangana is working closely with NGOs, civil society groups and other stakeholders to uphold communal harmony.

He emphasised that CM Revanth Reddy is committed to inclusive development and wants all citizens, regardless of caste, religion or social status, to benefit equally from the state’s progress. (eom)