Why Did SIO Condemn Telangana CM's Remarks on Muslims?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- SIO condemns remarks as divisive and disrespectful.
- Demand for public apology from Telangana Chief Minister.
- Importance of constitutional rights and community integrity.
- Political discourse should promote unity, not division.
- Potential implications for upcoming elections.
Hyderabad, Nov 5 (NationPress) The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) has issued a strong condemnation of Telangana's Chief Minister for his statement suggesting that Muslims owe their existence to Congress, calling for a formal apology.
The SIO described the remark as 'deeply insulting' and 'divisive', asserting that the statement "Congress hai toh Musalman hai, Congress nahi toh aap kuch nahi" (Muslims exist because of Congress. You are nothing without Congress) undermines the integrity of the Muslim community.
This controversial remark was made during a campaign meeting in Jubilee Hills on Tuesday as part of the lead-up to the upcoming by-election.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Telangana unit of SIO emphasized that the strength of any community is rooted in its own values and integrity, rather than relying on political patronage.
The SIO stated, "Such a remark is not only politically irresponsible but also a direct affront to the self-respect and dignity of the entire Muslim community."
Furthermore, the SIO contended that the Chief Minister's statement reveals a feudal and vote-bank mentality, highlighting a concerning decline in democratic and moral values when a leader claims ownership over the identity of a community.
The organization has demanded that the Chief Minister promptly retract his statement and issue a public apology for this 'blatant attempt to undermine constitutional equality.'
The SIO also urged the Election Commission of India to take serious notice of such inflammatory remarks, which they believe violate the essence of free and fair elections.
K.T. Rama Rao, working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), also responded to CM Revanth Reddy's remarks, asserting that neither individuals nor political parties should feel that they define the existence of a person or a religion.
He highlighted that the Constitution of India guarantees Freedom of Religion as a fundamental right for all citizens, thanks to Babasaheb Ambedkar, who embedded this freedom within Articles 25 to 28. The Preamble declares India as a secular state, and Rao concluded with a call for political figures to refrain from diminishing the integrity of the nation due to trivial political discourse.