Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir has categorically denied allegations linked to a controversial audio recording. In his response to the TPCC Disciplinary Action Committee, he described the clip as fake, doctored, fabricated and politically motivated.
In a detailed clarification submitted to committee chairman and MP Dr Mallu Ravi, Shabbir Ali said the allegations originated from an unverified 54-second audio clip that appeared on an X handle on June 10, 2026. The post claimed the recording captured a conversation between him and a Congress worker from Kamareddy and alleged that the exchange took place about a year ago.
Rejecting the claim, Shabbir Ali said he never made derogatory remarks against Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, women leaders, party workers or cadre. He added that some Telugu news channels amplified the allegations by reporting on the clip and attributing statements to him that he never made.
Calls for forensic examination
Shabbir Ali argued that advances in voice-cloning and artificial intelligence technology have made it easier to manipulate audio recordings. For that reason, he urged authorities not to draw conclusions without a scientific forensic examination.
He informed the committee that Congress Town President Ireni Sandeep Kumar had already lodged a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police in Kamareddy district on behalf of the party. Officials also received copies of the complaint, and police registered an FIR.
The complaint seeks a forensic analysis of the recordings, identification of their source and legal action against those responsible for allegedly spreading misinformation and defamation.
According to Shabbir Ali, investigators should secure the original recordings and determine whether they are genuine, edited, morphed, fabricated or generated using AI tools. The complaint also requests an inquiry into the role of social media platforms, YouTube channels, WhatsApp groups, media organisations and others who allegedly circulated the recordings without verification.
Allegations of a coordinated campaign
Shabbir Ali claimed that the controversy forms part of a broader attempt to damage his reputation and create divisions within the Congress party. He said the circulation of the recording followed complaints made against Congress leaders in Kamareddy by a group allegedly led by Gaddam Chandrashekhar Reddy, who joined the Congress after his suspension from the BRS in 2023.
The former minister questioned how a purported private conversation reached a social media handle that, according to him, regularly publishes anti-Congress content. He alleged that the emergence of the clip and the allegations raised later at a press conference indicated a coordinated effort to weaken the party in Kamareddy.
Relationship with TPCC chief
Referring to his association with TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, Shabbir Ali said the two have known each other for nearly four decades. He described Goud as a younger brother and close friend.
He said it was impossible for him to speak about the TPCC chief in the manner alleged and also expressed regret if the reports had caused any misunderstanding.
Highlights political record
Shabbir Ali highlighted his 45-year association with the Congress party. He recalled campaigning for former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1980 and later serving twice as MLA from Kamareddy. He also served as Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and remained loyal to the party in both government and opposition.
The Congress leader maintained that his public life has remained free from allegations of this nature. He said he has consistently respected party leadership, women leaders and workers. In his view, the accusations contradict both his political conduct and personal values.
Legal action planned
Explaining his delayed response, Shabbir Ali said he initially avoided public comment because he was exploring legal options. He also did not want to give additional publicity to what he described as fabricated material. However, he said the continued circulation of the clip had seriously damaged his reputation.
He announced plans to pursue criminal defamation and other legal proceedings against individuals and platforms involved in creating, circulating or broadcasting the recording without verification. He also urged the TPCC Disciplinary Action Committee to consider his clarification and the ongoing police investigation while reviewing the matter.
Reiterating his stand, Shabbir Ali once again denied all allegations. He maintained that the audio clip was fake, doctored, fabricated and politically motivated. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Congress party, its leadership and its organisational discipline.