Chose TMREIS to Educate and Uplift: Faheem Qureshi

In an Exclusive Interview with GAWAH, Faheem Qureshi says, Revanth Reddy Has Done More for Minorities in Two Years Than KCR Did in Ten

Faheem Qureshi has been in the news recently for his growing influence in Telangana’s political and social circles, especially through his work in community education and welfare. In this candid conversation with Dr Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez, he speaks about his association with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, his work with the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS), and his vision for the community.

Q: Mr. Faheem Qureshi, you have emerged as a prominent force in the Telangana government. What do you think about this development?

I believe I have only a small role to play. When I met the Chief Minister, he asked me if I wanted a different portfolio, but I told him I was interested in community education and welfare. Within twenty-four hours, the government order was issued. I am happy with the portfolio I have been allotted.

Q: How long have you known Chief Minister Revanth Reddy?

I have known him since he was an MLA and I was a journalist with a national news channel. Very few people have the habit of sticking to their word, but Revanth Reddy is one of them. When he promises something, he delivers.

Q: There has been growing talk about the Chief Minister’s RSS background, especially in the light of his recent statements. What is your view on that?

I prefer not to discuss his background. What matters to me are his vision and his thoughts on the welfare of minorities. Regarding his recent controversial statement, he corrected it himself. No one needed to investigate or advise him. That reflects maturity.

He won against an undefeated MLA and publicly acknowledged that he did so with the support of the Muslim community. Since then, he has personally sponsored five people for Haj and five for Umrah every year. Tell me if there is any other politician in India who does that with such sincerity.

He became Chief Minister just two years ago, but our association goes back much longer. For over ten years, he has been visiting my home every Eid to have Sheer Khorma. That consistency, humility, and warmth are what I admire most about him.

Q: You have often said you never sought anything for yourself. Could you explain that further?

Yes, I have never asked him for anything personal. Every representation I make is for the community’s welfare. I know my limits and work within them. Nine out of ten requests I make are for community benefit, not personal gain.

Q: Did your representations about the community to him begin during the Tableeghi Jamaat Ijtema?

Yes, it did. We had requested government to provide land for the Ijtema, and the Chief Minister approved it immediately. Whether it was land, water, or other facilities, everything was arranged promptly and efficiently. The municipal and the respective administrations too played their part.

Q: You are known to be part of his inner circle. There was talk about ministerial positions and MLC nominations. Why did you choose TMREIS instead?

TMREIS gives me the satisfaction of being part of real change. When a student joins in Class 5, that child often becomes the support system for the entire family. Helping such families grow and thrive gives me immense happiness. Over a lakh students are studying and progressing in TMREIS institutions.

I even carry my drinking water from home. I have never claimed a bill, a driver, or an official car. My focus is purely on service.

TMREIS is a place where from class 5, the students become a support system for the entire family. Supporting a family like this, being an element of change in their ecosystem, gives me the highest level of satisfaction. I enjoy this and it gives me a peaceful sleep at night. There are over a lakh students who are studying and progressing, and this is very satisfying for me at the end of the day. 

Q: Sports has become an important part of TMREIS. Has your background or affinity to sports a role to play in this development?

TMREIS has brilliant students who excel in many fields, including sports. For example, our Shamshabad Boys School has potential to be excellent wrestlers. I have arranged proper infrastructure and training equipment for them, using personal funds and CSR support whenever possible.

More than 90 TMREIS students have earned free medical seats. That is something I take great pride in.

Q: There were rumors about tampering with religious beliefs and alignments in TMREIS institutions. What is the truth?

It is nothing but propaganda. I often make surprise visits and personally speak to students and staff. TMREIS enjoys the blessings and trust of thousands of parents. No one can damage that faith, even if they tried.

Q: Some people call you a kingmaker or behind-the-scenes influencer. Do you agree with that?

Not at all. I have never interfered in government or administrative matters. My focus is to help the TMREIS Secretary and the staff do their best for the greater good. I do not compare myself to anyone or involve myself in anything that is legally or morally wrong or anything that disturbs me personally. I move forward with the blessings of my parents and elders. That is what guides me.

Q: You have long-standing relations with many political figures, including Bosa Satyanarayana. Tell us about that.

They are seven brothers and they treat me as their eighth. I have never misused their trust. Perhaps that is why their respect for me has remained constant over the years. It is merely what people see and believe, and I am humbled if someone thinks so. I have never taken advantage of my political connections for personal gains, perhaps, that’s why they continue trust me.

Q: As a bridge between Muslim organisations and the government, what kind of problems have you come across?

Each organisation, whether Ahle Hadees or Sunnat ul Jamaat, has its own agenda. I ensure their issues reach the Chief Minister. I arranged extended meetings where each group got over forty minutes with him instead of the scheduled twenty.

For the first time in history, a Chief Minister spoke at such length and in such a friendly manner with representatives of Muslim organisations. They left with confidence that their concerns would be addressed. My role is to serve as a conduit, and I know the Chief Minister genuinely wants to help.

When Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed passed away, the Chief Minister was deeply affected and was determined to pay his respects despite his busy schedule. That shows his sincerity.

Q: Despite his efforts then, some leaders continue to defect from the Congress. What do you think about that?

Even brothers in one family sometimes disagree. Problems can only be solved through discussion. For example, employees of Makkah Masjid Public Garden are still waiting for regularisation. The previous government could have done it, but did not. I am pursuing it and now that Mohammad Azharuddin is a Minister, I will make a representation with him to ensure it is resolved.

Q: You are seen interacting with various corporations and departments. How do you manage that?

Every corporation has its own leadership. I do not interfere unless the issue directly affects the community. My approach is to support, not control.

Q: What about issues like human rights or police encounters? Will you take them up?

Of course. Dr. Shameem Akhtar from the Human Rights Commission took suo motu notice of the recent police case. Whenever there is an issue involving someone’s rights, we will stand up for justice. There are no hidden agendas with this Chief Minister.

Q: You are active on social media, meeting various groups. There have been promises and discussions on issues like the Minority Declaration and Asra Pension. Were these promises only for elections?

Not at all. The government’s term is five years. We are addressing the promises one by one. The Chief Minister will deliver on them, and I see it as my responsibility to ensure these commitments are fulfilled.

Q: What is the truth behind the Shaikpet graveyard issue?

There was no formal representation from the area requesting land for a graveyard. The government itself foresaw the need because of the growing population. We identified 2,500 square yards of land with the help of the Waqf Board, and a gazette notification was issued.

I personally arranged two JCBs to clear the land. Later, Defence authorities sought a joint survey to verify the boundary. Then KTR falsely claimed the land belonged to Defence. He even made offensive remarks against Muslims. That kind of language is unacceptable. Will the Congress build its party office on that land? No, right? 

This land is meant for the community’s benefit, not for any political purpose. Revanth Reddy has secured more land for Muslims in two years than KCR could in ten. The community is aware and will not fall for false propaganda.

Q: Rumor has it you are a street fighter, ready to roll up sleeves and indulge yourself. How do you look back on that image?

While campaigning for Revanth Reddy as Chief Minister, I was subject to a lot of scrutiny. I have faced inquiries from different agencies, including enforcement and income tax, but nothing was ever found against me. If there was even an iota of misappropriation, would the ruling party have spared me? I was targeted only because I stood firmly behind the Chief Minister.

KCR cannot tolerate minority or BC leaders rising in prominence. Now KCR’s son is doing the same thing. He has done the same with leaders like Prakash Goud and Padma Rao. He does not want strong grassroots voices to emerge. 

Q: What is your assessment of the Jubilee Hills election?

We had already won when the opposition started calling us the B Team. The people understand our work. The contest now is only about the margin of victory.

Q: What is your message to the people?

Do not stop the progress and development that has begun. In the past three months alone, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, significant work has been done – from the allotment of graveyard lands in Shaikpet, Borabanda, and Erragadda to other developmental projects.

I urge the people of Jubilee Hills to vote based on development, not sentiment. We are with the people, and together we will achieve much more.