Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 14: People and community leaders state that U T Khader is not responding adequately to their concerns. According to members of the Muslim community, Khader appears confident that he will receive votes from both Muslims and Christians, believing they have no other viable alternative. As a result, he and his close aides seem to be taking community issues lightly.
Secondly, a group of local leaders—many of whom have not worked at the grassroots level for the Congress—is reportedly misleading both the Congress leadership and U T Khader.
People also note that those close to U T Khader are involved in businesses, particularly in real estate, and maintain ties with BJP and SDPI leaders. It is alleged that BJP and SDPI workers are able to get their projects and files approved without delay, while genuine Congress workers and members of the Muslim community are being completely ignored by U T Khader and his office.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is reportedly taking serious note of growing discontent within the Muslim community in Ullal constituency regarding its leader from the party, as a clear erosion of support has emerged over recent incidents and administrative negligence.
In the past monsoon season, a tragic incident occurred in Ullal where a young girl lost her life after a wall collapsed on her home. This year, another similar disaster has claimed the life of a little girl and also led to the death of elderly women, further amplifying public outrage.
Many of the affected families belong to economically weaker sections of the Muslim community, residing in hazardous terrain where houses are built near hillsides or unstable structures. Observers note that while others have acknowledged the vulnerability of these areas, local leadership has failed to act proactively. Promises of relocation or safer housing ahead of monsoons were neither made nor fulfilled.
Last year’s fatal incident should have served as a wake-up call, but the response was limited to offering condolences and leaving the scene—without any long-term mitigation measures. This has deepened the perception among locals that symbolic visits have replaced substantive action.
Adding to the growing disillusionment are allegations that their legislator has been engaged in politically expedient decisions—favouring transfers and benefits for close aides, while many in the community continue to face neglect. Critics point to internal party developments where opposition to a ministerial berth was overridden by assigning a constitutional post instead, citing high-level loyalty rather than performance.
Within Mangaluru and surrounding areas, many Muslim families reportedly feel abandoned in times of crisis, viewing recent tragedies as the result of persistent oversight failures. Numerous complaints have been submitted to KPCC, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. The actions and influence of the leader’s family across the district have also drawn scrutiny, with discontent surfacing even among non-Muslim voters and members of police families.
The silent resistance appears to be gaining ground. With this shift becoming increasingly visible, a sudden change in tone, accompanied by renewed assurances and bold statements, is now being observed.