Published Jul 10, 2025 | 9:15 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 10, 2025 | 9:15 AM
BRS Minority Cell Meeting
Synopsis: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) convened its Minority Cell meeting at Telangana Bhavan, sharpening its focus on minority voters ahead of the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election. With the seat falling vacant after MLA Maganti Gopinath’s death, senior leaders appealed for renewed minority support in the key constituency. The by-poll is seen as an early test for both Congress and BRS
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the principal opposition party in Telangana, held a Minority Cell meeting at its headquarters, Telangana Bhavan in Jubilee Hills on Wednesday, 9 July. With the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election on the horizon—necessitated by the passing of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath—the party sharpened its focus on the crucial minority vote.
Senior leaders addressed the gathering, urging minority communities to support the BRS once again in a constituency where they form a significant segment of the electorate. Seen as an important political battleground, the Jubilee Hills by-poll, expected before December this year, is being viewed as an early barometer of public sentiment towards both the ruling Congress government and the resurgent BRS.
T Harish Rao addressed the Greater Hyderabad Minority Conference at Telangana Bhavan, voicing strong criticism of the Congress government’s track record on minority welfare and urging support for the BRS in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.
Speaking to a gathering of community leaders and party workers, Harish Rao said, “Telangana society is looking towards Jubilee Hills. People are disappointed with the Congress government for not fulfilling the promises made during the elections.”
He pointed out that the Congress had pledged several initiatives aimed at minority welfare, including a ₹4,000 crore budget, increasing honorariums for Imams and Mauzams, gold assistance for minority brides, and enhancing the overseas scholarship from ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh. “These promises were made in the presence of top national leaders, but they remain unfulfilled,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with the previous administration, Rao said, “When KCR was in power, minorities benefited from schemes like Shaadi Mubarak, KCR kits, and fee reimbursement. Telangana was the first state to provide an honorarium to Imams and Mauzams and distribute Ramzan gifts.”
He also raised concerns about the lack of minority representation in the state cabinet. “Even after two rounds of cabinet expansion, no minority leader has been given a ministerial post. When KCR took oath as Chief Minister, Mahmood Ali was sworn in alongside him, signalling inclusion from day one.”
Rao further criticised the recent demolition of houses as part of development projects in Hyderabad, saying that many affected families had not received compensation.
Concluding his address, he called on the community to reflect on the government’s performance and support the BRS. “This is the time to make your voice heard. Let’s work together for a strong showing in Jubilee Hills,” he said.
T Harish Rao addressing the meeting
Speaking at the event, MLC Dasoju Sravan alleged that the Congress had failed to deliver on its commitments made to minorities. “Not a single promise in the Minority Declaration has been implemented. Congress has done injustice to minorities not only in welfare but also in political representation,” he said. He urged voters in Jubilee Hills to reflect on this record and said, “Just as it has deceived every section of society, Congress has betrayed the minorities too.”
Former minister Talasani Srinivasa Yadav emphasised the transformation of Hyderabad under the BRS. “We have all witnessed how Telangana and Hyderabad changed during the ten years of KCR’s leadership,” he said. He claimed that “no one has done as much for minorities as KCR,” and encouraged minority leaders to actively campaign for the party in the Jubilee Hills by-election. He also referred to the tragic suicide of a BRS worker, Sardar, and blamed political pressure. “The Congress should be taught a lesson in this by-election,” he added.
Former minister Mahmood Ali spoke about the socio-economic progress made under the BRS. “The electricity and water situation changed only after KCR became Chief Minister. Minorities gained access to quality education, especially through Gurukuls,” he said. He credited these institutions for helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds become doctors and engineers. “KCR preserved Telangana’s Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb,” Ali stated, adding that the BRS ensured respect for the state’s cultural and religious diversity.
The leaders collectively urged voters to weigh the performance of each party before casting their votes in the upcoming by-election.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
