Karnataka Muslims Demand Rajya Sabha Representation

The Federation of State Muslim Organisations has called on the Congress to allocate at least one Rajya Sabha seat to a Muslim candidate in the upcoming Karnataka elections. The group emphasized the historical representation decrease and the decisive role of the Muslim community in the Congress's recent electoral success.

The Federation of State Muslim Organisations has urged the ruling Congress party to reserve at least one Rajya Sabha seat for a Muslim candidate in the impending elections for four seats from Karnataka. Scheduled for June 18, these elections arise as the terms of four incumbents, including former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, conclude on June 25.

With the Congress expected to secure three out of the four seats, the federation emphasized the need for greater Muslim representation in Parliament. The federation expressed concern over the declining number of Muslim representatives from the state and the perception that Congress hesitates to field Muslim candidates in winnable constituencies.

The federation called on AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders to champion this cause, aligning with recent advocacy by Rahul Gandhi for increased Muslim participation within the party. The federation stressed that such an action would uphold the political ideals of fostering inclusive representation.