Bengaluru: June 1, Our media team has spoken to more than 100 senior political leaders, AHINDA leaders, Muslim leaders, representatives of major Muslim organizations, prominent Muslim media personalities, heads of leading Muslim educational institutions, youth leaders, Muslim women activists, and many responsible citizens. Most of them have appealed to the Congress leadership to allocate five cabinet berths to Muslims in the proposed D.K. Shivakumar-led government.
For the last ten years, the Congress Party has largely depended on the support of the Muslim community across India. In states such as West Bengal, Assam, and Kerala, Congress has traditionally performed well in Muslim-dominated areas. In Karnataka too, nearly 95% of Muslim voters supported Congress in the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Unfortunately, the Karnataka government’s policies towards the Muslim community have not met expectations. Many promises made in the party manifesto concerning Muslim issues have not been fully implemented. As a result, a large section of the Muslim community is dissatisfied with the Congress Party. Many community leaders have expressed concerns and warned that the party could face consequences in future elections if these issues are not addressed.
To regain the confidence of Muslim voters, the Congress High Command, the new Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should give serious consideration to the major demands of the Muslim community. During the allocation of ministerial positions in the new government, at least five cabinet berths should be allotted to Muslims. One Deputy Chief Minister position should also be given to a representative of the Muslim community.
In 78 years of independent India, not a single Muslim has become the Prime Minister of secular India. Muslims have also had limited opportunities to serve as Chief Ministers despite their significant contribution to the country’s political and social development. Similarly, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidency has not been entrusted to a Muslim leader for several decades.
Today, Congress is facing political challenges across many parts of India, and South India remains one of its strongest regions. Therefore, the party should treat this issue seriously.
After the demolition of the Babri Masjid, a significant section of Muslim voters moved away from Congress and supported alternative secular parties. As a result, Congress lost power in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and others.
The Muslim community strongly believes that competent, experienced, and ideologically committed leaders should be entrusted with ministerial responsibilities to strengthen the party ahead of future Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Among the most deserving leaders are:
– U.T. Khader (also a suitable candidate for Deputy Chief Minister)
– B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan (also a suitable candidate for Deputy Chief Minister)
– N.A. Haris (for a cabinet position)
– Senior leader and MLC Naseer Ahmed
– The fifth cabinet berth may be decided by the new Chief Minister based on merit and representation.
According to feedback received from various sections of the Muslim community, these leaders enjoy substantial support and are seen as capable representatives who can strengthen the Congress Party and effectively serve the people of Karnataka.
Educated Muslim voters are increasingly blaming the Congress Party for the continuous defeat of Muslim candidates in Lok Sabha elections over the past 30 years. Many believe that nearly 80% of Congress Hindu leaders have not actively supported Muslim parliamentary candidates. In Assembly constituencies as well, wherever Muslim candidates contest, they need to secure at least 50% of the vote to win. When Muslim candidates receive less than 40% support, they often do not receive sufficient support from Congress’s Hindu voter base to secure victory.
This has led to a perception among some sections of the Muslim community that certain Congress leaders do not genuinely want Muslim candidates to win. Rahul Gandhi has consistently projected a secular image and ideology. Mallikarjun Kharge, B.K. Hariprasad, Priyanka Gandhi, Santosh Lad, and K.C. Venugopal are among the few leaders who are appreciated by sections of the community for their inclusive approach.
However, many community members feel that a significant section of the remaining leadership is opportunistic, affected by corruption, or has an understanding with the RSS and BJP. The party should address these concerns immediately. Otherwise, Congress risks further political decline and may become part of history rather than a force shaping the future.
