Criticising Congress Will Benefit BJP, Says Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President Obedulla Shariff

Dated 18th April 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Bengaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President Obedulla Shariff has appealed not to create confusion among Muslims by making statements against the Congress party.

Addressing the media, he said that today the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is doing politics of hatred in the country and trying to weaken and change the Constitution. He said that senior Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have raised their voices in Parliament to protect the Constitution. In such a situation, criticizing Congress will benefit BJP.

Speaking about the Davanagere South by-election, Shariff said that few Ulemas have criticised Congress in a press conference for not giving a ticket to a Muslim candidate and for taking action against two Muslim leaders. He said that demanding a ticket for a Muslim candidate in a Muslim-majority constituency is valid, and the dissatisfaction among local Muslims is also understandable. However, the party took its decision after proper review and gave the ticket to a candidate from the Shivashankarappa family.

Shariff further said that action against two Muslim leaders was taken during the election due to certain allegations. Few Ulemas expressed anger over this, but their views do not represent the entire Muslim community.

Shariff also alleged that a few Ulemas issued statements using the name “Ulama e Karnataka” with a separate letterhead, including names of several senior Ulemas who were not even present at the press conference. He questioned their claim of representing the entire community and challenged them to call for a Karnataka bandh if they truly represent all Muslims.

He said that those speaking in the media are well aware of the situation of Muslims in BJP-ruled states, where actions like demolition of mosques and dargahs and changes in Waqf-related laws have created concern among the community.

Shariff said let’s focus on increasing Muslim representation in government and legislative bodies and lets raise issues affecting the community. He urged not to target the Congress party and government in a way that creates confusion among Muslims.

Speaking to the editor in chief, Dr B R Abdul Wajid, Obedulla Shariff said “at a time when the country is facing serious challenges, unity and responsible leadership are very important and all sections should work together to protect the Constitution and safeguard the interests of the community without creating unnecessary divisions.”