Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 30: Veteran Congress leader and president of Muslim Central Committee, K S Muhammad Masood, urged Congress leaders to allot Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha (LS) ticket in the coming poll to a candidate from Muslim community. He was speaking after presiding over the golden jubilee celebrations of the Muslim Central Committee covering the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, organized at town hall here on Saturday December 29.

"We are not seeking this favour in the form of alms. This is our rightful demand. For this purpose, a parliamentary action committee has already been formed. If the Muslim community fails to get ticket, suitable decision as taken by the said committee would be implemented," he clarified in a veiled warning.

Expressing anger at the absence of former chief minister, Siddaramaiah, who was supposed to take part in the programme as chief guest, Gafoor reminded the leader that during the bypoll at Mysuru, himself and other leaders led by Janardhana Poojary had gone to Mysuru and actively taken part in electioneering for Siddaramaiah. "He had enough time then to talk to us. Now he says he does not have time. As per my information, a particular group has worked to ensure that he does not take part in this programme," he fumed.

District in-charge minister, U T Khader, who released the souvenir brought out on the occasion, announced that the government will extend all help if the committee if it has plans to build a community hall in memory of the golden jubilee.

MLC, Ivan D'Souza, who inaugurated the event, said that there is no need to question the patriotism of Muslims as it is in their blood. He asked the police to change their attitude towards minority communities.

Former ministers, B Ramanath Rai and Abhay Chandra Jain, former MLA, J R Lobo, former chairman of Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation, M A Gafoor, and a number of leaders and dignitaries were present.

Convener of the programme, Ibrahim Kodijal, welcomed. Committee general secretary, Haneef Bunder proposed vote of thanks. Beary Sahitya Academy member, Hussain Katipalla, hosted the programme. On this occasion, sewing machines were distributed to 50 poor women to commemorate golden jubilee of Muslim Central Committee.