‘If five Muslim leaders not given Cabinet posts…’: Congress faces fresh challenge in Karnataka

Muslim clerics and ulema in Karnataka have urged the Congress government to induct five Muslim leaders into the state cabinet, warning of statewide protests if the demand for greater representation is ignored.

Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka is facing renewed pressure after Muslim religious leaders and ulema demanded greater representation for the community in the state cabinet. The demand was raised during a gathering held at the Hazrat Syed Fateh Shah Wali Dargah in Hubballi, where clerics and community leaders urged the party to induct five Muslim leaders into the ministry.

The leaders argued that the Muslim community had strongly supported Congress during the Assembly elections and therefore deserved broader participation in the government.

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Senior Congress Leaders Named in Demand

During the meeting, community representatives specifically called for the inclusion of senior Congress leaders BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, NA Haris, Tanveer Sait and Saleem Ahmed in the cabinet.

The clerics noted that UT Khader already holds the constitutional post of Assembly Speaker, but argued that additional Muslim representation was necessary within the ministry itself.

Several speakers highlighted the political experience and long association of these leaders with the Congress party, stating that they had worked for the organisation and the community for decades.

Warning of Political Consequences

Some religious leaders issued strong warnings during the meeting, saying the community could launch a statewide agitation if the demands were ignored.

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One cleric stated that failure to provide adequate representation to Muslim leaders in the cabinet could lead to “serious consequences” in the future. Another speaker said the community had consistently voted together in favour of Congress with the expectation that the party would protect its political interests.

The gathering also stressed that the Muslim community had played a key role in bringing Congress to power in Karnataka and therefore expected what they described as “due respect and responsibility” for senior leaders from the community.

Congress Yet to Respond Officially

So far, the Karnataka Congress leadership has not issued any official response to the demands made during the Hubballi meeting.

The issue comes at a sensitive time for the party as it attempts to maintain a balance between caste, regional and community representation within the state cabinet. Political observers believe the demand could increase pressure on the leadership ahead of any future cabinet reshuffle.