Bengaluru: Muslim organizations in the state have issued a stern warning to the ruling Congress government, stating that they will not sit quietly tolerating the government's negligence toward the Muslim community.
Leaders asserted that they have a complete right to demand that the government fulfill their needs, highlighting their significant role in the party's electoral victory. They emphasized that listening to their demands and implementing them is the government's duty, adding that unity, struggle, and hitting the streets remain their alternative options.
This message was sent to the government during a convention organized on Saturday at the Town Hall by the 'Karnataka State Muslim Organizations Coalition', an umbrella body of 40 Muslim organizations. On this occasion, a report titled 'What did the Congress government say? What did it do? What next?' along with a list of demands was released, urging fulfillment within a specified timeframe.
Muslim leader Yasin Malpe stated that the convention is highly democratic as those who ensured the victory are questioning the accountability of the winners. He remarked that every leader present has hundreds of supporters and voters behind them, all of whom have gathered to question what happened to the election promises, feeling let down by the treatment from Congress.
He added that with two years remaining for the government's tenure, the convention is being held to remind the Congress government of its conduct toward Muslims and to press for the fulfillment of promises.
Suhail Ahmed, the convener of the convention, stated that this is a struggle for the identity and rights of the community. Columnist Shivasundar noted that BJP leaders had openly spoken about changing the Constitution during the elections, warning that the country has no future without coexistence and brotherhood.
List of demands from Muslims
No action has been taken against those making hate speech, hate crimes, and propaganda against Muslims. Why are hatemongers roaming freely even today? Control and ban those spreading hate.
The BJP government had scrapped the constitutionally provided 2B reservation for Muslims. It must be restored.
The anti-cow slaughter act and anti-conversion act introduced by the BJP must be withdrawn immediately.
Muslims must be given appropriate representation in political spheres and higher institutions in proportion to their population.
A promise was made to allocate Rs 1,000 crore in grants for Muslims, but not even half of the amount has been provided. The grants must be released immediately.
Waqf properties have not been protected and need safeguarding. Congress did not effectively oppose the Waqf Amendment Act.
The caste survey report must be implemented immediately.
While some good initiatives have been taken by this government for Muslim students, they are not satisfactory. The condition of Maulana Azad schools is deplorable and they must be developed.
Implementation of the SIR should not be permitted.
Flayed over delay in withdrawing hijab ban
Although Muslim leaders expressed satisfaction over the government withdrawing the hijab ban in schools and colleges, they took the government to task over the extensive delay. They questioned why Congress took three years when the BJP could ban the hijab in a single day, further asking why this decision was made only after the convention was announced.