Muslim Groups in Karnataka Warn of Statewide Campaign Over Unfulfilled Congress Promises
Leaders demand restoration of 2B reservation, repeal of certain BJP era laws and action on key minority welfare commitments.
Bengaluru: Several Muslim leaders and organisations in Karnataka have called on the Congress government to fulfil promises made to minorities, particularly Muslims, in its election manifesto. They have warned of a statewide campaign if meaningful progress is not made.
A meeting was held in Bengaluru where representatives urged the state government to restore the 2B reservation that was discontinued during the previous BJP government. They also demanded the withdrawal of the anti conversion law and the repeal or necessary amendment of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.
The leaders said these were among the commitments made by the Congress before coming to power and urged the government to implement them without further delay.
The meeting also focused on the Congress promise to allocate Rs 10,000 crore annually for minority welfare. Participants called for effective measures to protect and develop Waqf properties and sought implementation of recommendations from the state’s social and educational survey.
They also demanded stronger action against hate speech, hate crimes and propaganda targeting Muslims.
The representatives further called for adequate representation for Muslims at different levels of government and public institutions, including legislative bodies and positions heading state institutions, in proportion to their population.
A special meeting was held with Karnataka Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad, during which representatives discussed the demands and the government’s commitments in detail.
Hariprasad reportedly assured the delegation that he would make efforts to take up the issues and push for fulfilment of the promises before the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Assembly. He also advised the delegation to meet Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss the matters.
Separate meetings were also held with Muslim leaders including U.T. Khader, Balkees Bano and Abdul Jabbar. Discussions centred on minority welfare and the commitments made by the government.
Representatives of farmers’ organisations were also met separately to discuss issues concerning farmers. A meeting was also held with representatives of the Christian community to discuss matters affecting their community.
Participants placed particular emphasis on their demand for the withdrawal of the laws related to religious conversion and cattle slaughter introduced during the previous BJP government.
They said the Congress had made several commitments before coming to power and that the time had now come to fulfil those promises.
The representatives warned that if the government fails to make effective progress on the issues, Muslim organisations across Karnataka will be mobilised for a statewide campaign. They said the government would be held accountable for fulfilling its electoral commitments.