State-level Muslim convention to assess Congress promises in Karnataka on May 16

Bengaluru, May 08: (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  A coalition of Muslim organisations and community federations in Karnataka has announced a state-level public gathering titled ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’, which will be held at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16. The event will feature the release of a detailed assessment report on the Congress government’s three years in office, focusing on promises made to the Muslim community and their implementation status.

The convention is being organised at a time when the Congress government is close to completing three years in power. Organisers said the report has been prepared under the theme “What did the Congress government say? What has it done? What lies ahead?” and will examine several key issues concerning Muslims in the state.

According to the organisers, elected representatives and political leaders will not be invited to the programme. However, the report released at the convention will later be submitted to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, ministers and legislators.

The decision to organise the convention was taken during a meeting of Muslim organisations, ulema groups, associations and members of the ad hoc committee of Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota held on May 6 at A J International Hotel in Shivajinagar.

More than 75 representatives, including religious scholars, jamaat leaders, lawyers, retired officials, journalists and social activists, reportedly attended the meeting.

The report prepared by members of the KRMO ad hoc committee and experts from various sectors reportedly reviews the Congress government’s performance in relation to assurances given to Muslims on major issues. It also discusses promises that remain unfulfilled and concerns regarding political representation.

Issues covered in the report include the hijab restriction, reservation rollback, hate speech and hate crimes, waqf matters, budget allocations, anti-cow slaughter law, anti-conversion law, scholarships and education-related grants.

Participants at the meeting reportedly shared suggestions and recommendations regarding the draft report, following which certain modifications were accepted.

Sources present at the meeting said strong dissatisfaction was expressed over what participants described as the government’s approach towards the Muslim community. Some speakers reportedly argued that if the current situation continues, the community should keep its political choices open in the future.

The organisers also appealed to people from all districts of Karnataka to participate in large numbers at the May 16 convention and make the event a platform to convey the concerns of the community.