📰 Syed Ashraf Slams Minister Zameer Khan Over Inaction on OBC Certificates for Muslims
Bengaluru: Activist and former secretary to the ex-Prime Minister, Syed Ashraf, has strongly criticized Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for failing to revoke a BJP-era circular that restricts the issuance of Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to certain Muslim communities.
Restrictions on 2B OBC Certificates
The 2B Certificate, issued by Tehsildars, is essential for Muslims in Karnataka as they fall under the 2B (OBC) category. However, a circular (No: BCW 68 BCA 2013) issued on May 21, 2013, under the previous BJP government, limited OBC status to only a few Muslim groups, whereas the communities Cutchi Memon, Navayat, Bohra, Sayyid, Sheik, Pathan, Mughal, Mahdivia/Mahadavi, Konkani, and Jamayati Muslims have been restricted. This restriction has resulted in many Muslims being denied their rightful OBC certification, impacting their access to education and employment opportunities.
Unfulfilled Promises by the Congress Government
Syed Ashraf pointed out that despite coming to power in 2023 on the promise of reversing BJP’s policies, the Congress government has not taken any action to repeal this circular. “The Congress party assured voters that it would revoke all anti-people policies of the BJP, but after nearly two years in power, they have failed to act on this issue or any other concerns of the Muslim community,” he said.
He emphasized that Muslim students require OBC certificates for school admissions and job applications, but due to the existing circular, many names have been removed from the beneficiary list. As a result, Tehsildars are refusing to issue these crucial documents, depriving deserving individuals of their rights.
Ashraf’s Warning to Zameer Ahmed Khan
Targeting Zameer Ahmed Khan, Syed Ashraf expressed frustration over the minister’s inaction despite repeated appeals. “You should be ashamed of your negligence. You are a representative of the Muslim community, yet you have not addressed this fundamental issue. If you cannot revoke a simple circular that is depriving Muslims of their OBC status, what is the point of holding a ministerial position?” he questioned.
Ashraf warned that if the circular is not revoked within a week, large-scale protests will be organized. “You need to understand the real issues affecting the community and take immediate steps to resolve them. If you continue to ignore this, we will be forced to launch massive agitations,” he declared.
The demand for revoking the circular remains a pressing concern for Karnataka’s Muslim community, and all eyes are now on the state government’s response.
Statements & Quotes:
💬 Syed Ashraf:
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“Congress came to power promising to revoke BJP’s anti-people policies, yet after two years, nothing has changed.”
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“Muslim students and job seekers are suffering because of this circular. Why is it so difficult to revoke it?”
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“Zameer Ahmed Khan, you are the representative of Muslims in the Assembly. If you can’t solve our issues, why are you in the cabinet?”
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“If this circular is not revoked within a week, we will take to the streets in protest.”
💬 A Muslim student impacted by the circular:
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“Without an OBC certificate, I lost my scholarship and cannot apply for government jobs. Why are we being deprived of our rights?”
💬 A political analyst on the issue:
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“The delay in revoking this circular raises questions about Congress’s commitment to minority welfare.”
Q & A:
🔹 Q: What is the 2B Certificate, and why is it important?
🔸 A: The 2B Certificate is issued to Muslims under the OBC category and is essential for education and employment opportunities.
🔹 Q: What does the 2013 circular say?
🔸 A: It restricts OBC certification to select Muslim groups, leaving many communities excluded.
🔹 Q: What is Syed Ashraf demanding?
🔸 A: He wants the Congress government to revoke the BJP-era circular immediately, as promised during elections.
🔹 Q: What action is expected if the issue is not resolved?
🔸 A: Ashraf has warned of large-scale protests if the circular is not withdrawn within a week.
Short Summary:
Syed Ashraf has criticized Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for failing to revoke a BJP-era circular that restricts OBC certification for Muslims. He accused the Congress government of breaking its promises and warned of mass protests if action is not taken within a week.
Context & Background:
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In 2013, the BJP government issued a circular restricting the issuance of OBC certificates to certain Muslim communities.
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The Congress government, which came to power in 2023, promised to revoke BJP’s anti-people policies but has not acted on this circular.
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Many Muslim students and job seekers are being denied their rightful OBC certificates, affecting their future opportunities.
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Syed Ashraf has called out Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for his inaction, demanding immediate resolution.
