Muslim Organizations in Karnataka Express Anger Over State Policies, Write Open Letter to Congress Leadership

Bengaluru: Prominent Muslim organizations and community groups across Karnataka have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the state government, accusing it of neglecting and politically sidelining the Muslim community. In a united move, leading religious and social figures have sent a joint open letter to senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sharply criticizing the party’s approach.

The letter states that Muslims had overwhelmingly supported the Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections with the expectation of a secular and inclusive government. However, it alleges that the community has been largely ignored since the party came to power. The signatories also objected to remarks by the state Congress leadership suggesting that the party is “providing protection” to Muslims. They stressed that protection is not a favor from any political party but a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen.

The issue of the Davanagere South by-election was also highlighted, with the letter claiming that legitimate demands for representation were dismissed and that the community faced an unfriendly attitude during ticket distribution. It further alleged that several long-serving Muslim leaders were removed from party positions without justification, calling such actions discriminatory and retaliatory.

Raising concerns about internal party discipline, the leaders questioned whether strict action is applied selectively to Muslim members while alleged violations by leaders from other communities are overlooked.

The organizations warned that if the Congress does not change its approach and fulfill the promises made in its 2023 election manifesto, the community may be compelled to explore alternative political options. They also called for fair representation of Muslims in key government and administrative positions and urged authorities to avoid making unilateral decisions without consulting community leaders.

The letter has been signed by several notable figures from across the state, including Maulana Syed Tanveer Hashmi, Abdul Qadeer of Shaheen Group, Maulana Shabbir Ahmed Nadvi, K S Mohammed Masood, Maulana Iftikhar Ahmed Qasmi, Maulana Abdul Raqeeb Nadvi, Ashraf Ali Basheer, and Dr Abdul Kareem, among others.