SSF Karnataka objects to Speaker UT Khader’s remarks, seeks immediate withdrawal
Writes to Speaker highlighting displeasure over allegations at Harmony Walk
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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Leadership issue: Cong high command will call us at 'appropriate time,' will wait, says Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Dec 20 (PTI): With the leadership issue involving him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah coming to the fore again, deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday said the Congress high command has told the two leaders as to when they will be called to Delhi to to discuss the matter.
He said that both of them will go to Delhi and meet the high command, when summoned.
"I will inform you, I won't do anything without informing you. I will not go hiding from you," Shivakumar told reporters here in response to a question on him and Siddaramaiah's likely visit to the national capital to meet the party high command after the just concluded legislature session.
Asked if there was any invitation from the high command, asking him and CM to come to Delhi, he said, "they have told something to both of us, they have told both of us over phone as to when they will call us. We will go, both of us will go."
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"They (high command) have said they will call both of us at the appropriate time, we will wait for the call," the Karnataka Congress chief added.
Shivakumar's statement came a day after Siddaramaiah asserted in the Assembly that he would continue in office. He had also said that the Congress high command was "in my favour" and asserted that no decision was made on him staying at the helm for only two-and-a-half years, as per a rumoured 2023 agreement on power-sharing with his deputy.
Shivakumar, had said that he and CM Siddaramaiah have come to an agreement with the involvement of the Congress high command, and both of them will abide by it.
The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculations about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
The speculation was fueled by the "power-sharing" pact between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.
Meanwhile some 'Naga Sadhus' visited the Deputy CM's residence and blessed him.
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Stating that he is going to Delhi on Tuesday to meet various central ministers, Shivakumar, who is also the Minister for water resources said, "the central government's water resources department has called us regarding interlinking of rivers."
"I will go there and discuss matters related to the state's river projects like Mahadayi, Krishna water award, Mekedatu, and Upper Badhra."
He said he will also meet the central water resources minister, forest minister, urban development minister.
"There are a lot of issues. We wanted to meet them along with MPs from the state, but still I will go and meet. Then after that, if needed, we will meet the Prime Minister also with the issues," Shivkumar added.
Hitting out at the Modi government at the Center for replacing the existing rural employment law MGNREGA, and removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from it, Shivakumar accused it of insulting the father of the nation.
He also challenged the government to remove Gandhiji's image from currency notes.
"The country wants Gandhi. People of the country will respond to it," he said.
"They want to change Gandhi's name...let them change this picture of Gandhi also," he said, showing a currency note.
"With Gandhi's name we had started an employment guarantee scheme under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and (late) Manmohan Singh (former PM), the MGNREGA.....they want to kill the scheme, so they have changed its name. A big movement will start against it from Karnataka itself," he said.
