The Students Islamic Organisation demands apology from the chief minister, calling it deeply offensive, politically irresponsible, and harmful to India’s secular spirit
HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI – Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has drawn sharp criticism after claiming that “Muslims exist in India because of the Congress.” The controversial remark, made during an election rally in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills constituency on Tuesday, has sparked outrage among Muslim groups, including the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), which called the statement “insulting” and “divisive.”
According to reports, Revanth Reddy said during his address, “Muslims exist in the country if Congress exists; without Congress you are nothing.” The remark, widely circulated on social media, has been denounced as an affront to the dignity and self-respect of the Muslim community.
In a strong response issued on Wednesday, the Telangana unit of the SIO demanded an unconditional apology from the chief minister. The student body said, “Such words are not only politically irresponsible but also deeply insulting to the self-respect and dignity of Indian Muslims.”
The SIO stated that the strength and value of any community lie in its own principles, unity, and moral integrity, not in the patronage of any political party. It further said that Reddy’s remark reflected “feudal thinking” and exposed a “vote-bank mentality” that undermines democratic ethics.
“A chief minister’s attempt to monopolise the identity of an entire community is shameful and unacceptable. It shows the decline of political morality and democratic values,” the SIO statement read.
The organisation also called on the Election Commission of India to take serious note of Reddy’s “inflammatory and undemocratic” comments, which, it said, violate the spirit of free and fair elections.
“Such statements during an election campaign can influence voters through religious sentiments. The Election Commission must act to prevent this kind of misuse of power,” a SIO representative said.
Muslim scholars and activists also expressed dismay over the chief minister’s words. Many said that Muslims in India have contributed immensely to the nation’s culture, history, and progress long before the existence of the Congress party.
A Muslim intellectual from Hyderabad remarked, “Our community’s existence does not depend on any political party. We are part of this land by right, not by favour.”
The controversy has also drawn reactions from opposition leaders. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao criticised Revanth Reddy’s remarks, reminding political leaders that no individual or party could claim ownership of any religion or community.
“Leaders and political parties should not be under the illusion that any human being or religion exists because of them,” Rama Rao said. “The Indian Constitution, framed under the guidance of Babasaheb Ambedkar, guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens under Articles 25 to 28. The Preamble itself declares India to be a secular state.”
Rao further emphasised that India’s democracy stands on the foundation of equality and freedom, not political dependency. “No political outfit can claim to be the guardian of any religious community. Faith and identity belong to the people, not politicians,” he added.
Several social media users and civil rights groups echoed SIO’s criticism, arguing that the chief minister’s statement was an attempt to reduce Muslims to a political commodity.
An activist from the Muslim Students Federation commented, “It’s disturbing to hear such arrogance from a chief minister. Indian Muslims have lived and thrived under all governments, not because of anyone’s mercy but through their own hard work and resilience.”
Political observers note that the timing of Reddy’s remarks, coming amid an election campaign, could be an attempt to consolidate votes by appealing to communal sentiments. However, they warned that such rhetoric risks alienating large sections of the electorate.
The controversy has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between religion and politics in India. While many Muslims in Telangana supported the Congress in the recent elections, the latest comments have reportedly angered a section of the community.
In Hyderabad’s Old City, some residents expressed disappointment over the chief minister’s words. A local shopkeeper said, “We voted for the Congress hoping for fair governance, not for humiliation. No leader has the right to say we exist because of a party.”
The SIO has announced that it will write to the Governor of Telangana and the Election Commission demanding disciplinary action and a formal public apology.
Political analysts believe the Congress may soon have to step in to control the damage caused by his controversial statement.
As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for political leaders to exercise responsibility and restraint when speaking about religious communities. In a country that takes pride in its secular and democratic foundations, any statement that questions the independent identity of a faith group can cause deep hurt and mistrust.
For now, the Muslim community and its representatives are waiting for an apology — one that, they believe, is owed not just to them but to the spirit of India’s democracy itself.
