Karnataka Congress Disciplinary Moves Spark Outcry from Muslim Leaders
The Karnataka Congress leadership's recent disciplinary actions against two Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) and a housing minister have ignited a significant backlash from Islamic scholars, revealing growing unease within a crucial support base of the party. The controversy centers on alleged anti-party activities during the Davanagere South bypoll, with community leaders expressing deep disgruntlement and despair.
Disciplinary Actions and Community Reaction
Condemning the move, members of the Ulama-e-Karnataka stated on Thursday that the actions have caused widespread discontent among the Muslim community. The body announced plans to convene meetings with community members to discuss appropriate measures to safeguard their interests. This development follows disciplinary measures against MLCs Naseer Ahmed and Abdul Jabbar after the April 9 bypolls in Bagalkot and Davangere South.
Jabbar resigned as chairman of the KPCC minority wing last week and was stripped of his primary membership on Wednesday, while Ahmed was removed from his position as political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Additionally, Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan was reprimanded during two meetings with Siddaramaiah earlier this week for not actively campaigning during the bypoll, with the CM advising him to brief AICC leaders to avoid further action.
Political Dynamics and Allegations
All three Muslim leaders are perceived as close allies of Siddaramaiah, and reports suggest that the disciplinary actions were initiated by the AICC at the behest of KPCC chief DK Shivakumar, allegedly targeting the CM's supporters. At a press conference, members of Ulama-e-Karnataka emphasized that the Davanagere South bypoll developments have sent a negative signal to minority communities, particularly Muslims, with discontent deepening due to actions taken against the MLCs even before results were declared.
Mufti Iftikhar Ahmad Qasmi, president of the Karnataka unit of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, stated, "We are here to make Congress know that the Muslim community in Karnataka is unhappy with the decision of Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command. We are also surprised at the silence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge when such a serious injustice is meted out." He added that the removal of Ahmed and resignation of Jabbar reflect indifference towards the aspirations of marginalized sections, causing deep displeasure and anguish.
Unfulfilled Demands and Promises
Recalling events prior to the bypoll, the Ulema body members highlighted multiple rounds of discussions with senior Congress functionaries, including Siddaramaiah and Kharge, and later with AICC secretary Randeep Surjewala. They had sought a ticket for a Muslim candidate in Davanagere South, arguing that since minorities are present in large numbers in both Davanagere South and North, it was just to field a Muslim candidate in at least one constituency. However, the announcement of Samarth Shamanur, grandson of late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, as the Congress candidate led to disappointment, as family members are already represented in the Lok Sabha and state assembly.
The body also flagged concerns over pending promises, noting that issues such as reservation for Muslims, the anti-conversion bill, and the hijab row remain unresolved. They pointed out that even after nearly three years in office, key issues in the Congress manifesto have not been addressed, increasing grievances against the party and Surjewala.
This backlash underscores the challenges faced by the Karnataka Congress in maintaining support from its traditional bases amid internal political maneuvers and unfulfilled commitments.
