Muslim leaders warn Congress against ignoring their concerns in Karnataka

Published 8 June 2026 · politics

Leaders of various Muslim organisations on June 7 cautioned the Congress government in Karnataka against ‘continued neglect of key concerns of the community despite receiving

Leaders of various Muslim organisations on June 7 cautioned the Congress government in Karnataka against ‘continued neglect of key concerns of the community despite receiving substantial electoral support from them’. Addressing the Karnataka Muslim Convention organised by the Federation of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations in Kalaburagi city, Sohail Ahmed said the Congress had come to power with the support of nearly 50 lakh Muslim voters, but had failed to fulfil several expectations of the community. He said the government had not acted on demands to enhance reservation under Category 2(B) from 4% to 8%, allocate ₹10,000 crore for minority welfare in the State Budget, and ensure proportionate representation for minorities in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. “The Congress wants Muslim votes, but hesitates to provide adequate representation to Muslim aspirants in elections.

The party leadership is aware of the growing gap between minority leaders, and the community,” Mr. Ahmed said. Warning the State Government against overlooking the community’s aspirations, he said Muslims would ‘teach the Congress a lesson’ in the 2028 Assembly elections if their concerns continue to be ignored. Referring to political movements that had altered electoral outcomes, Mr. Ahmed said organised democratic movements remained an effective means of safeguarding constitutional rights and democratic values. Federation member Haris Siddique criticised the delay in withdrawing restrictions on the wearing of hijab in educational institutions. He said the previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai had imposed the ban, but it took the Congress government nearly three years to reverse the decision.

Siddique alleged that thousands of Muslim girls had been deprived of educational opportunities following the hijab ban. He said several committees had highlighted the socio-economic backwardness of Muslims, but their recommendations remained largely unimplemented. He said the federation had submitted a comprehensive report seeking enhanced reservations, increased budgetary allocation, and measures to improve educational opportunities for minority students. He accused the government of failing to act against organisations allegedly involved in spreading communal hatred despite earlier promises. Federation member Afzal Mehmood criticised the Congress for not nominating a Muslim candidate in the recent by-election in Davanagere. He said the decision had led to divisions within local party ranks, and argued that the Congress often failed to acknowledge the community’s electoral contribution.