In a development that has raised eyebrows and stirred disappointment among minority communities, the newly formed Telangana government has come under scrutiny for not allocating any ministries to minority leaders in the initial cabinet portfolios.
The dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among Muslims who threw their support behind the Congress party, significantly contributing to its victory in Telangana. Despite the decisive role Muslim votes played, their representation has been notably absent from the Congress cabinet ministries list.
A striking comparison emerges when looking at neighboring Karnataka, where the government boasts one Muslim Deputy Chief Minister and five ministers, a move seen as reflective of the state’s 13% Muslim population. Conversely, in Telangana, where the Congress party highlighted its commitment to Muslim representation during the election campaign, the absence of Muslims in the first cabinet list has left many disheartened, given that they constitute 12% of the state’s population.
The disappointment within the Muslim community has found a voice on social media, with leaders expressing their concerns and discontent. The absence of a Muslim MLA, attributed to votes being split, further underscores the challenges faced by the minority community in securing political representation.
It’s noteworthy that, despite historical criticism for limited Muslim representation, the previous KCR government appointed Mohammed Mahmood Ali as Deputy Chief Minister in 2014, followed by the Home Ministry in 2018. However, the apparent oversight in the current cabinet list has reignited dissatisfaction among Muslims who had hoped for increased inclusivity and representation in the state’s governance.
As the government grapples with the backlash and accusations of neglect, the spotlight remains on subsequent cabinet announcements, with the expectation that they will address the concerns of the minority communities and fulfill the promises made during the electoral campaign.
