We urge immediate intervention to ensure dignity, fair political representation, and accountability in the treatment of Karnataka’s Muslim community!

We, the concerned citizens and members of the Muslim community in Karnataka, write with deep anguish following the developments surrounding the Davanagere South by-election (2026). This is not merely a political disagreement- it reflects a deeper issue of exclusion, disregard, and loss of dignity.

Respected religious leaders and community representatives approached senior leadership of the Congress Party in good faith. These individuals represent the conscience and moral voice of the community. Yet, instead of engagement, they were met with silence, closed doors, and disregard.

It is certain that the concerns of nearly 85,000 voters were dismissed as “blackmail.” This is an insult to an entire community.

Recent electoral outcomes make this situation even more unacceptable.

It is a political reality that recent victories of the Congress in key states were significantly enabled by the unity, mobilisation, and active participation of the Muslim community. Our ulema, Masjids, and social organisations played a decisive role in mobilising voters.

During the 2023 elections, Masjids became centres of civic mobilisation, announcements were made, and communities were urged to step out and vote in support of a secular government. Today, that very community feels taken for granted and deeply disillusioned.

What is even more concerning is the growing perception of arrogance within sections of leadership, where even basic engagement and dialogue are denied. A community that stood firmly with you is now being treated as politically expendable.

Let this be stated clearly:
If our collective strength can contribute to electoral victories, it also has the power to influence outcomes. This is not a threat- it is a political reality. Silence, disengagement, or a shift in support are natural consequences when dignity and representation are denied.

We must also acknowledge the global realities shaping the mindset of our community today.

Events across Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader regional tensions involving Iran have had a deep emotional and psychological impact. These are not distant developments, they resonate strongly within our communities and influence how we view justice, dignity, and collective responsibility.

These moments have strengthened awareness, unity, and resolve. They have reinforced a simple truth - Dignity and voice cannot be compromised in the face of repeated marginalisation.

We firmly reject the idea that our community should be pressured into silence through fear, whether by invoking political alternatives or suggesting that raising our voice will endanger our rights or safety. Fear cannot be the foundation of democratic participation.

A community that is constantly pushed into a defensive or overly cautious position risks being systematically sidelined. We believe in constitutional values, justice, and peaceful engagement. But we also believe that silence in the face of injustice only leads to further exclusion.

This is also a message to leaders from within our own community in Karnataka:

We understand the pressures you face. We recognise the efforts made behind closed doors, the arguments raised, and the resistance encountered. However, this moment demands more.

We expect:

•⁠  ⁠Visible leadership, not just internal negotiation
•⁠  Public accountability, not silent compromise
•⁠  ⁠Clarity and courage in representing community concerns

If voices continue to remain restrained while concerns grow, it will only weaken the collective position of the community.

KEY DEMANDS

We respectfully demand:

1.⁠ ⁠Immediate intervention to address the concerns of the community
2.⁠ ⁠Public clarification and accountability regarding statements made against community leadership
3.⁠ ⁠Respectful and structured engagement with religious and community representatives
4.⁠ ⁠Fair and transparent candidate selection processes
5.⁠ ⁠A clear assurance that no community will be politically marginalised or publicly disrespected

CALL TO ACTION

If you believe in dignity, fairness, and equal representation in democracy, sign this petition.

Your voice matters. Silence enables exclusion.

Stand for justice. Stand for representation