SSF Karnataka objects to Speaker UT Khader’s remarks, seeks immediate withdrawal

Writes to Speaker highlighting displeasure over allegations at Harmony Walk

Vartha Bharati | 06-07-2025 | 16:14:00 IST

Bengaluru: The Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF) Karnataka has objected to remarks made by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader during a recent public event, accusing him of making sweeping and unfounded statements against its members. The SSF state committee has sent a formal letter to the Speaker demanding that he withdraw his comments immediately, expressing dissatisfaction over the tone and content of his speech.

The controversy stems from Khader’s address during the valedictory of a ‘Harmony Walk’ held in Bengaluru on Friday, June 5, organized by SSF Karnataka. In his speech, Khader acknowledged the positive contributions of the organization but also remarked that certain activities by a few members were damaging the image of the SSF. He urged the leadership not to tolerate such behaviour and even offered to chair a discussion with SSF representatives to address the concerns.

However, the SSF leadership has responded sharply. In a letter signed by SSF State President Hafiz Muhammad Sufiyan Sakhafi, General Secretary B Muhammad Ali Turkalike, and Treasurer Irshad Haji Goodinabali, the committee expressed that many members were hurt by what they termed a "false message" suggesting that SSF members had indulged in actions that brought disrepute to the organisation.

The SSF, in its letter, reminded the Speaker that India is a democratic country where citizens have the right to question elected representatives. It said that social media posts or public queries raised by SSF members towards politicians especially those who claim to be secular and remain silent during incidents of communal violence were well within democratic norms and should not be viewed as acts of disrespect or shame.

The committee took strong exception to what it viewed as an attempt to stigmatise legitimate criticism from young members of the Muslim community. “Labeling these concerns as shameful for the community is not only unfair but also irresponsible,” the letter read.

The SSF also pointed to what it sees as a lack of action in Khader’s own constituency of Mangaluru. Referring to instances where individuals accused of hate speech or promoting violence reportedly went unpunished, the committee questioned whether the community did not have the right to ask tough questions in such circumstances.

“It is the Speaker’s responsibility to receive feedback and objections from the people positively. Using a public platform like SSF’s Harmony Walk to level such serious allegations without basis only casts the organisation in poor light,” the letter added.

Dismissing the Speaker’s implication that SSF members have behaved inappropriately, the committee clarified that the organisation has never violated any laws, never hosted unlawful gatherings, and has never delivered hate-filled speeches. It also sought clarity on whether any official complaints or actions had ever been initiated against the organisation to warrant such remarks.

Concluding the letter, the SSF reminded the Speaker of his own offer to hold discussions and urged him to set a date for such a meeting. The committee expressed its intention to share broader dissatisfaction within the Muslim community regarding Khader’s leadership.

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Engineer booked for allegedly stealing construction material worth Rs 3.84 lakh in Udupi

26-07-2025 ¦ 26-07-2025 IST

Representative Image (PTI)

 Udupi (PTI): A case was registered against a site engineer for allegedly stealing aluminium and other materials worth Rs 3.84 lakh from a private hospital construction site in Udupi, police said on Saturday.