Bengaluru, Apr 22 (PTI) The Ulema-e-Karnataka, a Muslim body of religious heads in the state, on Tuesday alleged injustice by the Congress leadership over recent actions against party leaders and demanded corrective measures, stating that the community’s concerns had been “ignored”.
Addressing a press conference here, Maulana Shamim Salik of the body said the removal of MLC Naseer Ahmed from the post of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political secretary and the expulsion of senior leader MLC Abdul Jabbar from the party were carried out without due process.
He said Ahmed’s removal without prior notice, whom he described as a “dignified and prominent leader,” over the issue of seeking a ticket for Muslims, was also “unjust”.
Referring to the recently held Davanagere by-election, he said Muslims and minorities in the constituency had sought representation.
“Asking for a ticket is not a mistake—it is our right. Whether the Congress party gives a ticket or not is its own decision,” he said.
Responding to remarks that disciplinary action would continue against those working against the party, Salik said, “If Congress uses its principles in such a way that anyone acting against it will face action now and in the future, then this is sheer stubbornness.” He added, “If they remain adamant in their injustice, then, God willing, just as Muslims helped Congress win, they also know how to defeat it.” Salik said the press conference was organised by the Ulema Union and attended by scholars and representatives from across the state—Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hubballi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Davanagere, Vijayapura, Hassan, and Tumakuru—to express “grief and anger” over the developments.
Cleric Maulana Shakirullah said the gathering aimed to highlight what he described as “injustice and deprivation” faced by Muslims in Karnataka.
“We gathered here to raise our voice against this injustice,” he said, urging the Congress to reflect, reconsider, and withdraw what he termed “wrong decisions.” He said party complaints should be handled through proper committees and procedures. “Simply making a complaint and removing someone overnight from important posts is an injustice to loyal party members,” Shakirullah said.
He claimed that Muslims felt they were being taken for granted politically.
“Muslims are only being used. You do not value Muslims and assume they will come and vote anyway,” he alleged, adding that such assumptions were wrong and that the community had “many options”.
He warned that “continued injustice” could lead to a shift in political stance and cautioned that Congress should correct its course to avoid losing support.
Demanding the reinstatement of Naseer Ahmed and Abdul Jabbar, he said that if the mistakes were corrected, everything would be fine, but warned that failure to do so would have future consequences.
When asked about the next course of action, Shakirullah said they would consider the matter and decide on the appropriate steps.
There is unrest within the Congress, especially among Muslim leaders, who were reportedly upset over the denial of a ticket in the Davanagere South Assembly bypoll.
There are also allegations that some leaders did not campaign and instead worked against the party’s candidate, Samarth Shamanur, grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, whose death led to the bypoll.
Leaders from the community, including Housing and Minority Welfare Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, had demanded a ticket, citing the substantial Muslim population in the constituency. PTI GMS GMS SSK
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