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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Private bus operators in Karnataka to hike fares by 20-30 pc after fuel price rise
Bengaluru (PTI): In the wake of the hike in fuel prices, private bus operators have decided to increase fares by 20-30 per cent, depending on the route, effective from Friday midnight.
They have also called for government subsidies, a reduction in cess, and lower road taxes to improve the situation.
"The situation for bus owners in the state is already distressing due to high road tax and the impact of the Shakti scheme (free bus travel for women in government buses). On top of this, fuel prices have increased," Karnataka State Bus Owners’ Association President S Nataraj Sharma said.
"This will impose a burden of Rs 15,000 per vehicle per month on bus owners. If an owner has three buses, the burden will be Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 per month," he added.
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Speaking to reporters, he said the situation has made it inevitable for owners to increase fares by 20-30 per cent, depending on the route, under current conditions.
The increase may be roughly Rs 200 per seat, he added.
"For example, the current bus fare from Bengaluru to Belagavi is around Rs 1,000–Rs 1,200, which is likely to rise to Rs 1,350–Rs 1,400. Similarly, fares from Bengaluru to Mangaluru or Udupi currently range from Rs 900–Rs 1,000 and are expected to go up to Rs 1,100–Rs 1,200," he said.
Petrol and diesel prices were each hiked by Rs 3 per litre on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses for fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
The increase comes a couple of weeks after the Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
