Hyderabad: In a strategic move, Congress has introduced a separate manifesto for 'minorities' ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, marking a shift from its earlier emphasis on the caste census. The party, vying for power, pledges to conduct a caste census within six months and increase the budget for minorities to Rs 4,000 crore if elected.

Key Manifesto Commitments:

Reservation Assurance: Congress vows to ensure proper reservation for all backward classes, including minorities, in jobs, education, and government schemes.

Financial Support for Education: A provision of Rs 1,000 crore annually is promised to provide loans at concessional rates to unemployed youth and women from minority communities. Additionally, financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh will be granted to youth from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and other minority communities upon completing M.Phil and Ph.D. studies through the 'Abdul Kalam Tohfa-e-Taleem Scheme.'

Recognition for Religious Leaders: The manifesto proposes a monthly honorarium ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for priests of all religions, including Imam, Muezzin, Khadim, Padri, and Granthi.

Special Initiatives: Congress pledges to establish the 'Telangana Sikh Minority Finance Corporation' and undertake special recruitment of Urdu medium teachers.

Housing and Financial Assistance: Homeless individuals from minority communities will be provided space and Rs 5 lakh to build houses. Newly married couples from the minority community are promised Rs 1.6 lakh.

Political Landscape:

With the Assembly elections slated for November 30, the main contenders are KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Congress, with the BJP actively participating, transforming it into a triangular contest.

Demographic Snapshot:

According to the 2011 census, Telangana's total population was 3.5 crore, with Hindus constituting the majority at 2.99 crore. The largest minority was Muslims at around 45 lakh, followed by Christians with a population of four and a half lakh. Other minority communities, including Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain, also contributed to the state's diverse demographic.

Shifting Political Alliances:

Traditionally, Congress has relied on the support of the Muslim community, rewarding it for its loyalty. However, the upcoming elections raise questions about whether the Muslim community will shift allegiance from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and CM KCR's BRS to Congress. This potential shift adds an intriguing element to the unfolding political drama.

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