Congress Muslim Leaders Voice Displeasure Over Name Omission in Puttur Bhavan Invite
In Mangaluru, the Congress party in Dakshina Kannada district is actively preparing to construct a new Congress Bhavana in Puttur. However, this significant event has been overshadowed by discontent among a few Muslim leaders within the party. Their dissatisfaction stems from the omission of their names on the official invitation cards for the ceremony.
Details of the Invitation Card Controversy
The invitation cards, printed by the Congress Bhavana Trust, prominently feature the names of several high-profile leaders. These include Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Rajya Sabha MP GC Chandrashekhar, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, MLCs Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D'Souza, Mescom chairman Harish Kumar, among others. Notably, no Muslim leaders are listed, which has sparked criticism and hurt feelings within the community.
K Ashraf, the vice-president of the District Congress Committee, expressed his concerns, stating that ignoring the Muslim community during such a major party event has deeply affected many leaders. He emphasized that party workers from the community have discussed this issue extensively. Ashraf believes that state-level party leaders might not be aware of this disparity and urged them to take the matter seriously. He warned that such actions could damage the party's reputation, highlighting the need for inclusivity and representation.
DK Shivakumar's Response and Party Ideology
In response to the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the issue, reiterating the Congress party's core principles. He stated that the party does not function on the basis of caste or religion but rather on ideologies. Shivakumar elaborated, saying, "We do not play politics on the basis of caste and religion. There should be 'dharma' in politics. However, there should be no politics in 'dharma'. This is the basic ideology of the party."
Shivakumar further emphasized that the Congress is a party that brings all castes together, promoting unity and shared values. He also shared that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has plans to complete the bhoomi puja for 100 party offices by March, indicating the party's broader organizational goals beyond this specific incident.
Broader Implications and Community Reactions
The omission of Muslim leaders' names has raised questions about representation and inclusivity within the party. This incident comes at a time when the Congress is gearing up for significant political activities in the region. The community's reaction underscores the importance of acknowledging all segments of the party's support base, especially in a diverse district like Dakshina Kannada.
As the party moves forward with its plans for the Congress Bhavana in Puttur, addressing these concerns will be crucial to maintaining harmony and trust among its members. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges political parties face in balancing ideological principles with practical representation in a multicultural society.
