The Congress leader also accused MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi of misusing the pious platform of Milad-un-Nabi to deliver a political speech. Strongly condemning Owaisi’s call for ‘Hyderabad for Hyderabadis’, he questioned the nativity of Owaisi brothers. “Your grandfather Abdul Wahed Owaisi came from Owsa in Maharashtra. We are more Hyderabadi than Owaisi brothers,” he said.

Shabbir Ali also challenged Asaduddin Owaisi to furnish the list of poor students who were given admission in educational institutions run by the MIM. He alleged that the MIM leaders turned billionaires while exploiting the sentiments of poor Muslims.

He said that the Congress party does not indulge in hate and emotional politics. “We seek vote on the basis of performance. Congress Government provided 4 per cent reservation to Muslims. The MIM had openly opposed reservation for Muslims. We fought several legal cases and ensured continuation of reservation which benefited over 10 lakh people since 2004,” he said.

Shabbir Ali asked the MIM leaders to explain their contribution in the development of Hyderabad, especially Old City, and also the Muslim community. (NSS)