‘Delivered as Promised?’ Muslim forums question Cong govt’s accountability

Bengaluru: As the Siddaramaiah-led Congress govt prepares to celebrate three years in power on May 19 under the slogan “Delivered as Promised,” a growing wave of discontent is rippling through Karnataka’s Muslim community — a community that had overwhelmingly united behind the Congress in the 2023 assembly elections to defeat the BJP. Three years later, many in the community say hope has turned into disappointment, betrayal, and political abandonment.

At the Karnataka Muslim Convention held Saturday, the Karnataka Federation of Muslim Organisations — an umbrella body representing hundreds of Muslim outfits and Jamaats — released an “accountability report” on promises made by the Congress to the community, along with a charter of demands detailing why Muslims feel let down by the govt.

Convention coordinator Suheil Ahmed Maroor said the gathering was not directed against any political party or individual, but aimed at questioning the Congress govt on its promises and delivery. “For the first time, grassroots workers — puncture repairers, tailors, plumbers, welders and others — are demanding accountability from the govt,” he said. Maroor also alleged attempts were made to disrupt the event, but claimed the convention forced immediate action from the govt. “All our struggles met with success when the govt revoked the hijab ban within less than three hours of our press briefing,” he added.

Community leader Harris Siddiqi said Muslims had faced continuous targeting through policies such as the CAA, Waqf Amendment Bill and the proposed SIR exercise. “There has been no end to this scrutiny and targeting. It is time we ask the govt what it has done to safeguard the community,” he said.

Another functionary, Muhammad Yaseen Malpe, said the report was meant to remind the govt of its pending promises. “When the entire Muslim community stood by Congress during the polls, isn’t it our responsibility to ask the govt what it has done on those promises? Even after three years, most of them have not seen legislative action,” he said.

Promises of contention

Action against communal hate organisations: Community alleges that the govt has failed to act decisively against groups accused of repeatedly spreading hate and fear. Organisations linked to the Sangh Parivar continue to hold rallies, processions, and public programmes across Karnataka, often passing through sensitive areas and near mosques, triggering tension in local communities. Very little restriction and action against habitual offenders.

Revoke ban on hijab in schools: The previous BJP govt order on hijab became one of the most painful symbols of exclusion for Muslim girls in Karnataka. In Dec 2023, CM Siddaramaiah promised to withdraw the order, raising hopes across the community. But for nearly three years, no formal decision followed. Ironically, after years of inaction, the govt reportedly moved to revoke the order within hours of the Muslim convention press meet questioning Congress’ unfulfilled promises.

Withdraw Cow Slaughter Prevention Act: The Cow Slaughter Prevention Act continues to affect the livelihoods of farmers, cattle traders, butchers, transporters, leather workers, small eateries, and Muslim meat traders across Karnataka. Congress had opposed the law and promised to repeal “unjust and anti-people” BJP-era legislations. But in a move seen as contrary to its poll promise, the animal husbandry minister later clarified in the legislature that the govt had no proposal to repeal the Act.

Muslim reservation: Perhaps the biggest and most politically charged promise was the restoration of the 4% reservation for Muslims under Category 2B. After the BJP govt scrapped the quota in March 2023 and redistributed it to Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, Congress had fiercely opposed the move. DK Shivakumar assured the Muslims that the quota would be restored in the very first cabinet meeting. Three years later, however, it still remains elusive.

Repeal of Anti-Conversion Bill: In June 2023, the cabinet decided to repeal the controversial law brought in by the previous BJP regime and table a bill in the assembly. But several sessions have passed, the Bill mysteriously disappeared from the agenda. Despite a formal cabinet decision, the govt never tabled or passed the repeal legislation, leaving the anti-conversion law fully operational.

Oppose SIR: The community has raised alarm over the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, fearing a repeat of controversies seen in Bihar and West Bengal. Civil society groups warn that errors in names, addresses, and documents could become tools for disenfranchisement, particularly against Muslims, migrants, dalits, students, and women. While the Siddaramaiah govt has assured that no genuine voter will suffer, critics say there is still no concrete mechanism to prevent arbitrary deletions and harassment. The community want the govt formally oppose SIR.

Probable deadlines for major promises

By Monsoon Session 2026

*Restore and legally defend 4% category 2B reservation
*Table and pass a repeal/replacement of Cow Slaughter Bill
*Table and pass the cabinet-approved Anti-Conversion Law Repeal Bill
*Notify Communal Hate, Hate Speech and Vigilantism Monitoring Authority
*Set up state-level SIR Protection and Voter Assistance Task Force
*Correct Muslim representation in the 2026 Legislative Council
*Set a deadline for the Madhusudhan Naik caste survey implementation

By Budget 2027

*Announce pathway to the Rs 10,000-crore annual minority welfare allocation
*Launch the Karnataka Inclusive Minority Urban Renewal Mission
*Restructure Arivu, post-matric, overseas scholarship, and professional-course support