Karnataka Muslim Leaders Demand Greater Representation in State Cabinet
In Karnataka, Muslim religious leaders are calling for increased representation in the state cabinet, urging the Congress government to appoint five Muslim ministers. They argue that the community played a crucial role in bringing the party to power and deserves adequate representation. During a recent meeting, leaders warned of serious consequences if their demands are not met, emphasizing their unity and commitment to press for this issue in the future. This highlights the significant role of the Muslim community in Karnataka's political landscape and their ongoing support for the Congress party.
Jun 4, 2026, 17:26 IST
Muslim Leaders Call for Increased Cabinet Representation
In Karnataka, Muslim religious leaders and scholars are advocating for enhanced representation of their community within the state cabinet. They have urged the Congress government to appoint five Muslim leaders as ministers, arguing that the party came to power with the support of Muslim voters and that the community deserves adequate representation in governance. This demand was made during a meeting held on Wednesday evening at the Hazrat Syed Fateh Shah Wali Dargah in Bellinagar, Hubli, where special prayers were also conducted.
Consequences of Excluding Muslim Leaders from Cabinet
If Five Muslim Leaders Are Not Included in the Cabinet
During the meeting, senior Congress leaders such as B.Z. Jamir Ahmed Khan, N.A. Harris, Tanveer Sait, and Saleem Ahmed were proposed for cabinet positions. The leaders pointed out that the Assembly Speaker, U.T. Khader, has already been assigned a significant constitutional role; therefore, the remaining four senior leaders from the community should also be appointed as ministers. One religious leader warned that failing to include five Muslim leaders in the cabinet could lead to serious repercussions in the future. He stated, 'If five Muslim leaders are not given a place in the cabinet, there will be severe consequences in the days to come. I want to make it clear that you will be responsible for such a situation.'
Muslim Community's Role in Supporting Congress
'Muslim Community Helped Bring Congress to Power'
Another scholar emphasized that the Muslim community has consistently voted for Congress with the hope that it would form the government in Karnataka. He remarked, 'We Muslims unite to vote for Congress, believing that it will establish the government in Karnataka. We played a crucial role in bringing this government to power. Therefore, we demand that the remaining four senior leaders from our community also be allocated ministerial positions. Today, we stand united in this demand, and we will continue to collectively press this issue in the future.' The leaders present at the meeting underscored the significant role the Muslim community has played in supporting Congress and its importance in the state's political landscape.