‘A dangerous signal’: Islamic scholars slam Karnataka Congress for action against minority leaders

As action against Naseer, he was removed as the political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a position he had held soon after Congress came to power in 2023. It is speculated that action was also likely taken against Khan.

Action against the two MLCs has sent “a negative and dangerous signal to minority communities, especially to Muslims”, Mufti Ifthikar Ahmed Qasmi, president of Jamiat Ulama Karnataka, said.

“The Muslim community in Karnataka is unhappy about the decision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command. We are surprised at the silence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge when such a serious injustice is meted out to the community,” he said.

Defending Naseer Ahmed, he said that the MLC was a core committee member of the Bagalkot bypoll, held simultaneously with the Davanagere South bypoll, and worked at the segment level to ensure the Congress candidate’s victory.

“The developments post the polls have only increased our grievances against the Congress party and the AICC secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala,” he said.

He recalled that Ulemas had held multiple meetings with party leaders, including Kharge and Siddaramaiah, to ensure a ticket for a Muslim candidate from the segment. “Since minorities are in large numbers at both Davanagere South and North constituencies, it was only just to field one Muslim in at least one constituency. We have demanded a ticket from the constituency for many years,” he added.