Karnataka Ulemas Voice Strong Protest Against Congress Over Minority Representation and Removal of Leaders

Dated 16th April 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Bengaluru | A press conference was held at the Press Club of Bangalore where prominent Ulemas of Karnataka addressed the media and expressed strong dissatisfaction over recent decisions of the Congress party, particularly concerning minority representation and the removal of key Muslim leaders.

Among those present were Maulana Mufti Ifteqar Ahmed Qasmi, Maulana Mohammed Zainul Abideen Rashadi, Maulana Qari Zulfiqar Ahmed Noori, Maulana Shabeer Ahmed Nadvi and other respected Ulemas.

Addressing the media, Maulana Mufti Ifteqar Ahmed Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Karnataka, Member – Majlis e Imarat e Shariat, Karnataka said that in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency, where around 86,000 Muslim voters are present, the Congress party should have given the ticket to a Muslim candidate. He questioned why the seat was given to the grandson of Late Shamnur Shivashankarappa when members of the same family already hold important positions, including MLA / Minister and Member of Parliament. He said that favouring one family at the cost of minority representation has created strong resentment among the community.

He further criticized the action taken against senior leaders Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed after the elections. He said that as per party norms, they should have been given a show-cause notice and an opportunity to explain their position before any action was taken. Instead, he alleged that the party acted directly, which is against its own principles. He added that such actions have angered not only Muslims but also many secular-minded people.

While addressing the media, Maulana Mohammed Zainul Abideen Rashadi, Principal of Darul Uloom Shah Waliullah Madrasa, Bengaluru, warned that the condition of the Congress party in states like Gujarat, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh is already weak, and if the party does not correct its approach towards minorities, it may face a similar situation in Karnataka. He stated that Ulemas played a major role in bringing Congress to power in the 2023 Assembly elections by uniting and mobilizing Muslim voters. He said that even in difficult constituencies, Congress candidates were made to win due to their efforts. However, he expressed disappointment that when the community is now asking for its rightful representation, their concerns are being ignored. He cautioned that if such actions continue, it may impact the party’s future electoral prospects.

VIDEO | Highlights | Maulana Mohammed Zainul Abideen Rashadi addressing the media during the press conference.

Speaking to Editor-in-Chief Dr. B R Abdul Wajid, Maulana Shabeer Ahmed Nadvi, President of Welfare of Humanity Foundation, said that the Muslim community had given maximum vote share to Congress in the last Assembly elections. Despite demanding 25 seats, the community did not receive adequate representation. He said that during the Davanagere South by-election, Ulemas met the Chief Minister and also senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, requesting a Muslim candidate, but their demand was not accepted. He added that before the community could overcome this disappointment, the removal of Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed has further increased anger among the people. He also highlighted that Naseer Ahmed had worked tirelessly for the party during the Bagalkot bypolls.

In a joint press release, the Ulemas stated that Naseer Ahmed, as Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, was seen as an important bridge between the government and minorities. His removal, along with Abdul Jabbar, has sent disturbing signals and created a sense of disrespect among Muslims in Karnataka and across the country.

The Ulemas also questioned the role of the Congress leadership, stating that the lack of intervention from senior leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, has given an impression that the leadership has distanced itself from the concerns of the Muslim community. They said that these developments have forced the community to come together and discuss further steps to protect its interests and dignity.