Muslim Community Demands Three Cabinet Berths in Karnataka’s New Government

Sada-e-Ittehad warns against “ineffective” leadership in Waqf Board, criticized former minister

Bengaluru — A prominent Muslim coalition has demanded that three minority community legislators be granted cabinet positions in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s newly formed Congress government, warning that failure to ensure fair representation could alienate the community.

Mujahid Ali Baba, state president of the Sada-e-Ittehad State Unity Federation, told reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday that three particular lawmakers—Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Shivaji Nagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, and Legislative Council chief whip Saleem Ahmed—are “highly qualified, educated, and capable” of holding ministerial portfolios.

“Khader is an efficient politician who should be given key departments such as Public Works or Home. He has the ability to bring the entire Muslim community together,” Baba said. “Rizwan Arshad and Saleem Ahmed are equally deserving and should also be inducted as ministers.”

The demand comes amid growing unease within sections of the Muslim community over perceived neglect in the state’s political establishment.

In a sharp critique, Baba also criticized former minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, alleging that he has “functioned under the influence of Shafi Saadi, who has ties to the BJP.” He claimed Khan has faced the “wrath of the Congress high command” and has created opposition within the community.

The federation further accused the current Waqf Board chairman, appointed by Khan, of being unable to function effectively. “A suffocating atmosphere has been created at the board. Chief Minister Shivakumar must intervene to ensure proper administration,” Baba added.