Hubballi: The Muslim community in North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka has expressed disappointment over the lack of representation in the expanded state cabinet, accusing the Congress leadership of overlooking Muslim MLAs from the region.Former minister and Bidar MLA Rahim Khan openly voiced his displeasure over the exclusion of Muslim legislators. “Congress enjoys strong support from Muslim voters in Kalyana Karnataka and North Karnataka, yet our community has been ignored. While several MLAs from other communities in the region have been accommodated, not a single Muslim MLA has been included,” he said, adding that he would raise the issue with party leaders and the high command.Razak Ustad, a Muslim community leader from Kalyana Karnataka, said the community had played a significant role in Congress’ electoral success and deserved cabinet representation. “In previous Congress governments, at least one Muslim MLA from the region was given a ministerial berth. This time, despite having four Muslim MLAs from North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka, none has been inducted,” he said.Ustad claimed Muslims account for nearly 22% of Kalyana Karnataka’s population and alleged that the party sought Muslim support during elections but failed to provide an adequate share in power. He also pointed out that while three Muslim MLAs have been inducted into the cabinet, all are from southern Karnataka and coastal districts.Community leaders said they were consulting MLAs and senior party functionaries. With one cabinet berth still vacant, they demanded that Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima be considered under the women’s quota. Some leaders warned that continued neglect could hurt the Congress in future elections across the region.
