HYDERABAD — A total of 39 Muslim candidates, several of them women, have won the popular mandate in the recent Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana. The success of these Muslim candidates marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as the winning candidates overcame historical trends of neglect and deliberate exclusion of Muslims from decision-making processes.
Their wins, spanning various political parties, highlight the community’s growing political presence and voice. By securing these positions, these Muslim representatives are poised to address long-standing issues and amplify the concerns of their constituents. Their success is not only a testament to public acceptance at the local level but also reflects the growing role of Muslim representation in rural politics.
Nizamabad district topped the list, with victories for nine Muslims from different political parties, indicating that voters preferred local leadership over party affiliation. Muslim candidates also performed well in districts like Jagtial, Sirsala and Nagarkurnool, while five Muslim candidates won from Siddipet district.
The success of Muslim sarpanches in districts like Warangal, Narayanpet, Medak, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nirmal and Bhadradri Katagodam made it clear that the Muslim leadership at the rural level is receiving continuous public support.
The success of Muslim women candidates is a testament to the growing role of their representation in rural politics. Districts like Warangal, Narayanpet, and Medak saw Muslim sarpanches winning, showcasing public support for Muslim leadership. In Khammam, Kamareddy, and Mehboobnagar, Muslim candidates won sarpanch seats, highlighting the minority community’s active role in decision-making.
The victory of women candidates is a symbol of social change at the rural level, paving the way for increased participation and representation. These elections have given a boost to Muslim representation in Telangana, raising hopes for better solutions to local problems and strengthening the minority voice in state politics.
Successful Muslims in Different Districts:
* Nizamabad: Muskan Begum, Noor Ahmed, Asifa Khatoon, Mohiuddin Azad, Ghouseuddin, Aafreen Begum, Mohammad Arif, Ismail Khan, and Syed Ahmed
* Jagitial: Razia Begum, Syeda Bee, and Mohammad Rahim
* Siddipet: Faheem, Syed, Sheikh Akbar, Sheikh Ali, and Parvez
* Warangal: Pathan Razak
* Sirsilla: Yasmin, Sheikh Saadullah, and Shahnaz Sameer.
* Narayanpet: Sheikh Meeran
* Nagarkurnool: Rashid, Mohammad Anwar Bashah, Ruksana Begum, and Khalil
* Mahabubnagar: Haji and Khaja Moinuddin
* Mahabubabad: Sharif Mohammad
* Khammam: Sheikh Ghalib Pasha, Sheikh Saheb, Sheikh Ayesha Sultana, and Sheikh Qasim Saheb
* Kamareddy: Tajuddin and Sardar
* Medak: Irshad
* Karimnagar: Mohammad Moez
* Adilabad: Asif Khan
* Nirmal: Akhtari Begum, and
* Bhadradri Kothagudem: Qadir Babu.
