Bengaluru: Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain has been re-nominated by the Congress for the Rajya Sabha elections in 2024 from Karnataka, securing a second term. Known for his commitment to public issues, Dr. Hussain utilized his initial tenure in the Rajya Sabha to advocate for the concerns of the common people both within and outside the Parliament.
As a loyal party worker and an adept political strategist, Dr. Hussain emerged as a prominent spokesperson for the Congress. During his first term, he consistently addressed critical issues such as unemployment, price rise, GST on essential commodities, Chinese aggression, and the Manipur ethnic violence. His role as an Opposition MP allowed him to voice concerns about the mismanagement and alleged scams of the current government.
Dr. Hussain played a pivotal role in mobilizing the opposition, becoming a leading figure in various protests, including those against the farm laws, labour codes, and unconstitutional laws like CAA/NRC. Despite facing suspension multiple times for raising crucial issues inside the Parliament, he remained steadfast in holding the government accountable.
Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2018, Dr. Hussain was appointed as Whip in 2020 and emerged as a key figure for opposition parties both inside and outside the parliament. His leadership qualities were further recognized as he assumed the role of campaign manager for Mallikarjun Kharge's election for the Congress Presidency. Dr. Hussain was later appointed as the coordinator to the Congress President.
Apart from his political engagements, Dr. Hussain showcased leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinating relief efforts from the party headquarters in Delhi and actively participating in on-ground activities in Karnataka, he played a crucial role in establishing COVID centers, distributing essential supplies, and extending support to the affected.
Hailing from Ballari, Karnataka, Dr. Naseer Hussain, a former President of JNU Students Union, has a rich background in student and youth politics. His extensive experience in government includes serving as the chairman of two Labour Boards in the UPA Government.
With a Doctorate in International Studies from Jawaharlal University, Dr. Hussain has been a National Spokesperson for the party, eloquently articulating the Congress's position on various domestic and international issues in media appearances and press conferences. Mentored by Shri Oscar Fernandes in organizational affairs, Dr. Hussain has worked in different capacities across the country.
His remarkable act of performing the last rituals of a Hindu woman professor during the pandemic garnered appreciation, inspiring many youngsters from his community to engage in similar humanitarian efforts. Driven by his dedication and sincerity, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain stands as a prominent figure in Indian politics.
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Bengaluru, May 5 (PTI): The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Monday announced a 'non-cooperation' campaign against Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam over a controversial remark he made during a recent concert in Bengaluru.
The Narayana Gowda faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a demonstration in the city in protest against Nigam’s comment.
During a concert at a college here on April 25, when an audience member asked him to sing a Kannada song, Nigam reportedly responded, "Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam."
The terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 people dead, including two from Karnataka.
An FIR was registered against the singer at the Avalahalli police station on May 3 for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas.
KFCC president M Narasimhulu told reporters that the non-cooperation campaign would continue until Nigam tenders an unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka.
"There will be non-cooperation with Nigam across Karnataka. It’s just like a ban. He should apologise to the people of Karnataka," he said.
When asked if he had tried to reach out to Nigam before taking this step, Narasimhulu said he had attempted to contact him, but received no response as the singer's phone was switched off.
Dharma Vish, general secretary of the Karnataka Film Musicians’ Association, said, "Nigam is one of the finest talents India and Kannada have seen. The controversy is not about his talent but about his comment, which deeply hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Comparing people from a state to terrorists is extremely damaging."
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Narayana Gowda faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike convener T A Narayana Gowda alleged that Nigam had "displayed madness" during the programme.
"He has sung hundreds of songs in Kannada films, so his fans merely requested a Kannada song. He could have sung it, declined, or remained silent. There was no pressure on him. Linking the request to the Pahalgam terror strike was completely uncalled for," he said.
Bengaluru Rural district Superintendent of Police C K Baba said the police will intensify the investigation.
He confirmed that a notice had already been issued to the singer, asking him to appear before the investigating officer next week.
"During the show, when some people in the audience requested Kannada songs, Nigam made an objectionable statement. So, we registered a case at the Avalahalli police station. The matter is under investigation, and considering the seriousness of the issue, the inspector is handling it. The case relates to hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas," Baba said.
He reiterated that a notice has been served, and once Nigam appears, the investigation will proceed to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Explaining further, Baba said a large crowd had gathered for the concert where Nigam performed.
"There was no correlation between the request for a Kannada song and the incident in Kashmir. Yet, he made a statement along those lines, which hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Hence, we registered a case. We will soon summon him," Baba added.
He also confirmed that video evidence of the incident is available.