Hubballi, June 4: Muslim religious leaders and clerics in Karnataka have demanded greater representation for the community in the state Cabinet, urging the Congress government to induct five Muslim leaders into the ministry.
The demand was raised during a gathering of clerics and community leaders at the Hazrat Syed Fateh Shah Wali Dargah in Bellinagar, Hubballi, on Wednesday. Special prayers were also offered during the event.
Speakers at the gathering called for the inclusion of senior Congress leaders B. Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, N. A. Harris, Tanveer Sait, and Saleem Ahmed in the state Cabinet.
Several clerics argued that the Muslim community had played a significant role in the Congress party’s electoral success in Karnataka and therefore deserved broader representation in the government.
The leaders stated that the community had supported the Congress in large numbers during elections and urged the party leadership to accommodate more Muslim representatives in ministerial positions.
Participants at the meeting noted that U. T. Khader already holds a constitutional post as Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly. However, they maintained that additional senior Muslim leaders should be inducted into the Cabinet.
Addressing reporters, religious leaders emphasized that Muslims constitute a substantial section of Karnataka’s population and have consistently backed the Congress party.
Some speakers warned that the community could launch a statewide agitation if the demand for greater representation is not addressed. They also cautioned that failure to accommodate the demand could have political consequences in future elections.
The clerics highlighted the long association of the leaders concerned with the Congress party and said their contributions warranted recognition through Cabinet positions.
The Congress leadership has not issued an official response to the demands made at the gathering.
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