Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 31: The Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee has issued a show-cause notice to K K Shahul Hameed, president of the District Congress Minority Cell, and former mayor K Ashraf for their recent statements made during a minority leaders’ meeting in the city, in which they alleged atrocities against Muslims in the district and criticised the state government and the party leadership.
Acting on the directives of district Congress president Harish Kumar, party general secretary T D Vikash Shetty issued the notices on Saturday. The two leaders have been asked to submit their explanations within a week.
The notice comes in the wake of public unrest following the recent murder of Abdul Rahman in the district. The Congress party noted that during such tense times, responsible leaders should have instilled confidence among the public, party workers, and the minority community. Instead, the duo convened a meeting of minority leaders despite being advised against it.
The notice stated, “You were clearly instructed over phone by senior party leaders not to hold any such meeting or take any impulsive steps like asking people to resign from the party. You were also informed that the government is handling the situation. However, you went ahead with the meeting and claimed that minority members are resigning from the party, which has caused embarrassment to the Congress at the national level.”
It further pointed out, “Being in responsible positions within the party, your actions have violated party discipline. You ignored direct instructions from party leaders. This has been taken very seriously by the party. Hence, you are asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for violating party norms.”
The notice also accused the leaders of making derogatory remarks about the district in-charge minister. “You stated that no one should meet the minister during his visit to the district and made belittling comments about him. The minister is not only the representative of the state government but also a senior party leader. Your statements are deeply embarrassing to the party and constitute a serious breach of discipline,” the notice added.
The Congress has taken a strong stance against the remarks and actions of Shahul Hameed and Ashraf, viewing them as damaging to the party’s image and unity, particularly at a time when communal tensions are high in the region.