Hyderabad: Many Muslims in the city feel let down by the Congress party. They are upset because the party hasn’t acted against Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh for his offensive comments about their community. They remember that the previous BRS government took swift action against such behavior, while the current government remains silent.
Raja Singh’s remarks about Prophet Mohammed have upset Muslims both in the city and across the state. With the by-election nearing, voters in Jubilee Hills, including 1.40 lakh minorities, are worried. Community leaders and local groups expressed frustration at the Congress Government’s slow response.
On October 2, at an event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Raja Singh continued his anti-Muslim rhetoric. Despite several cases filed against him, no decisive action has been taken. Mohammed Asif Hussain Sohail, a political analyst, highlighted Raja Singh’s history of making Islamophobic comments. In 2022, his remarks led to arrest and suspension from the BJP for over a year.
During the previous BRS rule, then Commissioner CV Anand acted quickly, ensuring Raja Singh’s arrest and maintaining city peace. Now, the delay is causing concern among minority voters as the by-election approaches, despite multiple complaints filed.
After his recent remarks, many complaints were lodged at different police stations. A group of city scholars met DGP B Shivadhar Reddy, urging action against the offensive comments. They are worried about what they see as inaction by the authorities despite numerous complaints.
The delegation included influential figures like Maulana Mohammad Husamuddin and others. They stated that Raja Singh has made such comments before for political gain. Maulana Husamuddin warned that police and government leniency emboldens offenders and erodes trust in the law. He noted that Muslims won’t tolerate attempts to stir communal tensions, which could lead to large protests.
Last week, the same delegation also met with Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar. With less than a month to the Jubilee Hills by-election, over 1.40 lakh minorities demand Raja Singh’s immediate arrest. Voters condemned the remarks and urged Congress to ensure the law is applied equally, restoring community trust.
Asif Sohail, who also leads the Jubilee Hills Colony Forum, stated that ignoring hate speech fuels division. He emphasized that Hyderabad deserves peace and respect for all faiths, and residents might express their feelings through their votes if the issue isn’t addressed soon.
Political experts believe how the government handles this sensitive matter could greatly influence voter sentiment in Jubilee Hills, especially among Muslims and Dalits, who make up a significant part of the electorate.
