Broken Promises and Shattered Trust
The Stark Reality of Political Underrepresentation of Muslims in Karnataka
_vb_15.jpeg)
In the 2023 state elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) secured a resounding victory in Karnataka, buoyed significantly by overwhelming support from the Muslim community. Reports indicate that approximately 88% of Muslims across the state voted for Congress, with a staggering 99% support in around 130 seats - the highest number of seats won by the party in the state legislative assembly in recent decades. This decisive mandate, however, now appears to have been squandered. During the election campaign, the Congress party made bold promises aimed at addressing the myriad challenges faced by the Muslim community-from social and economic hardships to educational and cultural disparities. The party pledged to tackle daily challenges, ensure improved access to resources, and crucially enhanced political representation.
Based on the 2011 Census data, Muslims constitute approximately 13 percent of the population, which implies that proportional representation would necessitate at least 39 Muslim legislators across both houses—considering a total of 299 seats (224 in the Legislative Assembly and 75 in the Legislative Council). However, as of March 2025, there are only 10 Muslim MLAs out of 244 (4.46%) and 4 Muslim MLCs out of 75 (5.33%), resulting in a combined total of merely 14 Muslim representatives, or 4.68% of the seats. This indicates a shortfall of twenty-five seats from the expected thirty-nine, reflecting a deficit of approximately 64% relative to the target for proportional representation.
Despite this clear demographic indicator, the actual representation has fallen woefully short, with the numbers lingering far below double digits, representing around one-fourths of the ideal. Now, two years into their tenure, the Congress government in Karnataka has failed to deliver on these promises. A large section of the community feels that rather than serving as a champion for the Muslim community, the current administration’s inaction has amounted to a form of “stepmotherly” neglect. Despite the unequivocal support extended by Muslim voters at the ballot box, the party’s policy actions - or lack thereof - have left the community feeling sidelined and exploited as mere vote bank politics.
The failure to meet electoral promises is not just a lapse in policy but a profound breach of trust. Muslim voters, whose support was instrumental in propelling the Congress to power, now face a stark reality where their social, economic, and political grievances continue to be ignored. The unfulfilled promise of increased political representation is particularly egregious. The current composition of the legislative assembly does not reflect the demographic realities as evidenced by census data, and there has been no substantial move to nominate or elect more Muslim representatives at either the local or state level.
Addressing these deep-seated challenges requires a multi-pronged strategy that extends beyond mere electoral promises. Research conducted by academicians and scholars based on primary data collected from key stakeholders in the community highlights several imperative areas for intervention highlighted as follows.
There is an urgent need to launch comprehensive programmes that focus on increasing political participation, political literacy, and leadership among Muslims. These initiatives should include training workshops, mentorship programmes, and seminars that empower community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the political landscape. It is crucial that congress party actively support, encourage, and promote minority candidates. Congress party must be held accountable for ensuring that their candidate selection processes are inclusive and reflective of the community’s demographic realities.
Introducing reserved constituencies in state and district legislative bodies can help bridge the representational gap. Such affirmative action would ensure that a fair number of Muslim candidates are elected, thereby offering a stronger voice in policy-making. Congress party should identify and nurture leaders from the local, grassroots, and Mohalla levels. This would facilitate the emergence of leadership that is deeply rooted in community realities and can effectively articulate local issues at higher levels of governance. Besides, the congress party should also identify intellectual leadership and include them in the party leadership.
Fielding of Weak Muslim Candidates
Quite often, the Congress party has been observed to issue party tickets to weak Muslim candidates, almost guaranteeing their defeat. Moreover, due to local rivalries and pre-existing conflicts among party leaders, even the party cadre refrains from supporting these ineffectual candidates. In contrast, the party often fields non-Muslim candidates in Muslim-dominated constituencies, instructing their cadres and local Muslim community leaders to support and secure victory for these non-Muslim representatives. This raises the critical question: if a non-Muslim candidate is endorsed in a Muslim-majority constituency, will the Congress party ever field a Muslim candidate in a non-Muslim dominated area and mobilize local party cadres to ensure their success? Such practices clearly underscore the allegations of pseudo-secularism within the Congress party, resulting in a miscarriage of social justice.
This pattern not only erodes trust among the Muslim electorate but also undermines the broader principles of fair and equitable representation. The strategic selection of weak candidates is a deliberate tactic that marginalizes the community's potential for genuine political empowerment. Furthermore, the diversion of support towards non-Muslim candidates in minority-dominated regions reflects a calculated political manoeuvre that prioritizes electoral gains over inclusive governance. These practices contribute to the systemic disenfranchisement of the Muslim community, reinforcing the opposition's argument that the Congress party's approach is both opportunistic and detrimental to the cause of social justice. It is evident that, if the Congress party is determined, a Muslim candidate can secure a seat in the assembly elections; conversely, if the Muslim community so desires, the party’s candidate is likely to face defeat.
To utterly secure the empowerment and representation of the Muslim community in Karnataka, Community Based Organisations (CBOs), lobbying groups, and pressure groups must take an active role in ensuring the state government remains accountable to its commitments. These organisations, which are vital components of civil society, can serve as watchdogs, ensuring that the promises made to the community are not only upheld but also translated into tangible policy actions. Similarly, these CBOs, lobbying groups, and pressure groups, which are notably active during the pre-election period, must continue to serve as catalysts in the post-election phase. Their sustained involvement is critical in ensuring the robust formulation, effective implementation, and thorough evaluation of policies aimed at empowering the Muslim community as a whole.
By keeping a vigilant eye on the interface between the government and the community, these organisations can track policy progress, monitor budget allocations, and push for timely implementation of social and economic welfare schemes. Furthermore, volunteer associations, youth forums, women’s collectives, and professional guilds can also serve as powerful platforms for mobilising grassroots action, fostering political awareness, and educating community members about their rights and responsibilities. By creating structured mechanisms for engagement-such as public consultations, legal awareness campaigns, and community-driven advocacy-these groups can exert consistent pressure on policymakers to ensure meaningful and impactful policy reforms.
The presence of well-organised civil society networks will not only enhance political bargaining power but also provide a structured pathway for negotiation with the state on critical issues such as education, employment, health, hygiene, political representation, and overall socio-economic development. If the government fails to deliver, the civil society can mobilise public discourse, create electoral pressure, and influence future policy directions in favour of the marginalised sections of the Muslim community. It is only through organised, sustained, and strategic engagement that the utterly marginalised, excluded, and secluded sections of Karnataka society can achieve true empowerment and emancipation, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but actively shape the policies that affect their daily lives.
The evidence is clear: the current approach by the Congress government in Karnataka has not only failed to address the long-standing issues faced by the Muslim community but has also undermined the community’s trust in democratic processes. The overwhelmingly high vote share that the Congress secured among Muslim voters was based on promises of inclusive policies and robust support systems. Yet, the reality on the ground is starkly different. The lack of tangible progress in increasing political representation, improving socio-economic conditions, and addressing cultural and educational disparities has left the community disillusioned.
The time has come for a new direction-one that is rooted in genuine commitment to the constitutional ideals of equality and social justice. The state must take initiative-taking measures to ensure that the voices of its Muslim citizens are not only heard but are also given meaningful representation in every sphere of public life. Whether through electoral reforms, reserved seats, or strategic nominations to bodies like the Karnataka Legislative Council, there must be a concerted effort to recalibrate the balance of power.
In addition to political representation, the state government must ensure that Muslim academicians, intellectuals, scientists, and researchers are adequately represented in universities and other academic bodies. It should actively engage and consult these scholars on a regular basis, fostering dialogue and collaboration that enriches the academic landscape. Such initiatives will not only empower these communities but also enhance the diversity and quality of intellectual discourse. Furthermore, systematic inclusion and continuous consultation with these experts can serve as a catalyst for innovative research and policy development, addressing the unique challenges faced by the Muslim community.
Moreover, fostering political literacy and leadership among minority communities is essential for long-term change. The development of programmes that educate, empower, and engage the youth and grassroots leaders can create a pipeline of capable leaders who will drive forward the cause of social justice. This is not merely a policy issue-it is a moral imperative that speaks to the very fabric of our democratic society. Moreover, the Congress party employs a conventional strategy by limiting Muslim leadership primarily to community-oriented portfolios, commissions, and boards. This approach implies that the party may be signalling a perception that Muslim community leaders are not yet prepared to manage larger, more prominent portfolios or responsibilities. By contrast, if opportunities were extended in a manner similar to the Janata Party, Karnataka might witness the emergence of a greater number of political leaders akin to Neer Abdul Nazir Sab.
A comprehensive review of the Sachar Committee, the Ranganath Mishra Commission, the Kundu Committee, the Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme, and independent research conducted by academicians such as Prof. Abusaleh Shariff, Prof. Abdul Aziz, Prof. Muzaffar Assadi, among others, has revealed several critical findings. The Muslim community in India in general and Karnataka in particular has long been burdened by systemic challenges, i.e., high levels of poverty, persistent unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and inferior quality of health and hygiene. These issues are compounded by social marginalisation and political underrepresentation. The Congress had publicly committed to reversing these trends, promising targeted interventions and increased resource allocation. Instead, policy measures remain symbolic, and tangible steps to empower the Muslim community are conspicuously absent.
Despite constituting a significant demographic presence in Karnataka, the underrepresentation of the Muslim community in the state's Legislative Council remains an issue of grave concern. Currently, only four Muslim members serve in the 75-member Council, a figure that starkly contrasts with their numerical strength in the electorate. This glaring disparity not only undermines the very principles of democratic inclusivity and fairness but also systematically marginalises a substantial segment of the state's populace. Such underrepresentation distorts the policy-making process, as decisions are made without fully considering the unique challenges and perspectives of an entire community. The repercussions of this imbalance are evident in the social, economic, and political spheres, where the needs of Muslim citizens continue to be sidelined.
The forthcoming nomination of four Members to the Legislative Council (MLC) presents an unprecedented and pivotal opportunity to rectify this enduring imbalance. In the past three decades, congress party have often overlooked minority communities when making appointments to influential bodies, resulting in policies that inadequately address—or sometimes completely ignore—the unique challenges faced by these groups. By ensuring that at least two of the upcoming nominees hail from the Muslim community, especially from those regions which have not been represented so far. For instance, Kalyana Karnataka region where a significant Muslim population resides and has been supporting the Congress party since independence. Moreover, the support from the Muslims residing in Kalyana Karnataka region is evident from the fact that the Congress party bagged all five Lok Sabha parliamentary seats. By providing representation to Muslim candidates from Kalyana Karnataka region, the congress party can take a decisive step toward achieving equitable representation. Such a move would not only validate the electoral support extended by Muslim voters but also affirm the Congress party's commitment to the constitutional ideal of inclusive governance.
Inclusive governance, by its very nature, enriches the decision-making process. A legislative body that mirrors the diverse tapestry of society is inherently better equipped to craft policies that cater to all sections of the populace. This diversity fosters broader dialogue, promotes social harmony, and stimulates innovative solutions to long-standing issues. Neglecting to provide adequate representation, on the other hand, perpetuates a cycle of alienation and disenfranchisement among minority communities. When communities feel excluded from the political process, their trust in democratic institutions erodes, hindering the overall development of the state. It is imperative, therefore, that Karnataka’s political leadership recognises that a truly representative Council is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a necessary foundation for sustainable and equitable progress.
As Karnataka stands on the cusp of these crucial nominations, political leaders must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the core values of democracy. Embracing diversity within the Legislative Council transcends the notion of fulfilling a numerical quota—it is about acknowledging, validating, and integrating the contributions and concerns of every community. A diverse Council ensures that every voice is heard, and every citizen feels represented, thereby laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and balanced governance structure. The time to act is now. Failing to seize this opportunity to enhance Muslim representation would not only be a disservice to the community but would also undermine the integrity of our democratic institutions.
Moreover, the integration of CBOs, lobbying groups, and grassroots pressure associations into the political dialogue is crucial. These bodies can serve as effective watchdogs, continuously monitoring the interface between the state government and the community at large. By providing regular feedback and holding political leaders accountable, such organisations can exert considerable pressure to ensure that the rights and interests of minority communities are not overlooked. When combined with increased legislative representation, these efforts can drive meaningful, impactful, and effective transformations that empower the marginalised, excluded, and exploited sections of Karnataka’s society.
In summary, the stark underrepresentation of Muslims in the Karnataka Legislative Council is both a symptom and a cause of the broader challenges facing the community. The upcoming Legislative Council nominations offer a critical window for change - a chance to recalibrate our political system in a manner that is reflective of our diverse society. It is a moral and political imperative to embrace this opportunity, ensuring that the principles of unity in diversity are not only celebrated in rhetoric but are also realised in practice. Only then can we move toward a future where every citizen, regardless of their background, can participate fully in the democratic process and contribute to the collective progress of our state.
In conclusion, the Congress government’s failure to fulfil its promises to Karnataka’s Muslim community has resulted in growing resentment and disillusionment. The overwhelming electoral support that once brought the party to power now stands as a stark reminder of unfulfilled commitments. It is imperative that the Congress party addresses these issues head-on by increasing political participation, ensuring adequate representation, and fostering an environment where the socio-economic and cultural rights of minorities are upheld.
By implementing comprehensive legal and institutional reforms, providing robust support through affirmative action, and promoting grassroots leadership, the state can begin to reverse the neglect that has long plagued the community. This renewed focus on empowerment-supported by data-driven initiatives and inclusive policy frameworks-will not only benefit the Muslim community but will also strengthen the very foundations of our democratic society.
Besides, the Congress party has to understand that the time for token gestures and lip service is over. The Congress party must move decisively to transform its promises into reality, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the progress of our great state. The vision of a just, inclusive, and forward-looking Karnataka can only be realised when the marginalised are given the tools and opportunities to thrive. It is in this spirit that the Congress party must support these initiatives, paving the way for a future defined by equality, social justice, and true democratic representation. Otherwise, should Muslim community start exploring other alternative political options, such as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka led by B. S. Yeddyurappa and family.
Lack of influential and strong Muslim legislators
Another crucial aspect that must be highlighted is the tokenistic nature of representation provided by Muslim ministers and legislators from the Congress party. More often than not, their presence in the political arena serves merely as symbolic representation rather than substantive advocacy, depriving the Muslim community of tangible benefits that could have otherwise been secured through assertive and strategic leadership. Furthermore, these so-called representatives frequently lack the necessary calibre, vision, and political acumen required to champion the community’s interests in a meaningful, impactful, efficient, and effective manner. Instead of leveraging their positions to demand structural reforms, push for policy advancements, and ensure budgetary allocations, they remain confined to ceremonial roles with limited influence over key decision-making processes.
This systemic shortcoming raises fundamental questions about the Congress party’s commitment to empowering Muslim leadership beyond symbolic appointments. Without competent, dynamic, and initiative-taking Muslim representatives in governance, the community remains stuck in a cycle of political stagnation and policy neglect. The absence of a strong political voice within the ruling party has resulted in missed opportunities for legislative advancements, failure to implement community-specific welfare programs, and inadequate responses to socio-economic challenges. If the Congress party is truly invested in the welfare and progress of Karnataka’s Muslim community, it must go beyond token gestures and ensure the selection, promotion, and empowerment of capable and visionary leaders who can advocate for real and lasting change.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Debutant Kumar, Rickleton shine as MI beat KKR by 8 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Debutant Ashwani Kumar's 4 for 24 and Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten 62 handed Mumbai Indians a comfortable eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League match here on Monday.
Opting to bowl, MI rode on Kumar's brilliant display with the ball to bundle out KKR for 116 before they chased down the target in 12.5 overs.
Left-arm pacer Kumar became the first Indian to take four wickets on an IPL debut and help restrict KKR, who were bowled out in 16.2 overs.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored for KKR with 26 off 16 balls.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders: 116 all out in 16.2 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 26; Ashwani Kumar 4/24).
Mumbai Indians: 121 for 2 in 12.5 overs (Ryan Rickleton 62 not out; Andre Russell 2/35).
