Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat Urges CM to Ensure Muslim Representation in Upcoming MLC Nominations
Group highlights community’s electoral support, declining representation, and appeals to Congress high command
✅ Short Summary
The Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat, a socio-political platform representing community voices, submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 19, 2025, demanding the nomination of at least one qualified Muslim candidate in the upcoming MLC appointments. Citing electoral loyalty and declining representation, the group warned that continued exclusion risks political alienation of Karnataka’s Muslim community. A copy of the memorandum has also been shared with the Congress high command.
Bengaluru, June 19, 2025: A delegation from the Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat, a socio-political pressure group comprising intellectuals, activists, and community leaders, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday and submitted a detailed memorandum demanding the nomination of a qualified and service-minded Muslim candidate in the upcoming Legislative Council (MLC) appointments.
The group raised alarm over the continued marginalization of Muslims in the political structure of Karnataka, despite the community’s overwhelming support for the Congress party in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Shrinking Representation Despite Strong Electoral Support
The memorandum pointed out that although Muslims constitute over 13% of the state’s population, their representation in the Legislative Council has declined from eight members in recent years to just four currently. Notably, the Congress party did not nominate a single Muslim in the last rounds of MLC appointments.
“This systematic exclusion, even after 88% of the Muslim electorate supported the Congress in 2023, is deeply disheartening and unjust,” said Asif Madani, Convenor of Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat, during the delegation’s interaction with the Chief Minister.
Silence from Within the Party Worsens the Crisis
The group expressed disappointment at what they termed the “inexplicable silence” of Congress’s own Muslim MLAs and ministers regarding the issue.
“It is shocking that none of the Muslim leaders within Congress raised this issue when nominations were being finalized,” said Syed Mazhar Qadri, a volunteer with the Mashawarat. “This reflects a larger failure in political advocacy and accountability.”
A Matter of Democratic Inclusion and Ethical Governance
The memorandum underscored that Muslim voters were not seeking symbolic roles or token positions. Rather, they were demanding institutional representation and a voice in policymaking.
“Our votes were not for patronage but for participation,” said Moulana Zaheeruddin Qadri. “Exclusion from the Council is a denial of democratic rights and political dignity.”
Urgent Demands and National-Level Outreach
The Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat has put forward three key demands:
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Immediate nomination of at least one credible Muslim candidate in the upcoming MLC appointments.
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A public acknowledgment of the representation crisis by Congress leadership.
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A clear directive to Muslim legislators to actively advocate for community interests.
Following their meeting with the Chief Minister, the group also emailed the memorandum to the Congress high command, including leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Syed Nasir Hussain, DCM DK Shivakumar, and Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.
“Not a Threat, But a Plea Rooted in Hope”
In closing, the Mashawarat described their appeal as a call for course correction, not confrontation.
“We still believe in the Congress Party’s core values of justice and inclusion,” said Moulana Salahuddin Rashadi, another volunteer. “But that belief cannot survive continued neglect. The time to act is now.”
The delegation stressed that unless concrete steps are taken soon, the party risks losing trust and political goodwill among one of its most loyal constituencies.
🕰 Context & Background
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Muslim Population in Karnataka: 13%+ of the state’s population
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Current MLC Representation: Only 4 Muslim members, down from 8 in recent years
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Muslim Voting Pattern: Approx. 88% of Muslims reportedly voted for Congress in 2023
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Recent MLC Nominations: No Muslim candidates nominated by Congress
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Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat: An emerging civil society platform advocating Muslim political and civic rights
🗣 Key Quotes
Asif Madani, Convenor, Karnataka Muslim Mashawarat:
“We conveyed to the Chief Minister that this is not just about one seat—it’s about restoring dignity and political fairness to a loyal constituency.”
Syed Mazhar Qadri, Volunteer:
“Muslims have been systematically sidelined. Our memorandum is a wake-up call to the party we trusted with our votes.”
Moulana Zaheeruddin Qadri, Volunteer:
“Representation is not a favour—it’s a democratic necessity. If not now, then when?”
Moulana Salahuddin Rashadi, Volunteer:
“We are not here to threaten the party but to remind it of its own promises and principles.”
Muzammil, Volunteer:
“The absence of Muslim voices in the Council hurts not just the community but the very idea of inclusive governance.”
❓ Q&A Section
Q: What is the key demand in your memorandum?
A: We are demanding the nomination of at least one clean, educated, service-oriented Muslim candidate in the upcoming MLC appointments.
Q: Why now?
A: With nominations underway and Muslims being ignored repeatedly, this was the moment to raise our voice firmly and formally.
Q: What is your message to Congress leadership?
A: Respect the electoral trust of the Muslim community. Don’t take our votes for granted. Inclusion is a constitutional right, not charity.
Q: What if no action is taken?
A: We will continue to mobilize civil society and youth. Political alienation has consequences, and the Congress must understand that.
