By Imran Khan, TwoCircles.net,
Bangalore: Muslim groups in Karnataka are launching a protest against the state BJP government for snatching the lone Muslim position in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) and giving it to a non-Muslim.
The decision to launch the protest was taken after Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa replaced board member Mr. Riyaz Ahmed with a Jain.
Muslim groups have also questioned the haste shown by the CM while removing the lone Muslim member in the board. The matter to replace the board member was put forth in the cabinet on October 19th and the very next day, a Mr. Parshunath (a Jain) was elected on October 20.
Muslim groups allege that CM Yeddyurappa bowed to the pressure of the powerful Jain community. Some even alleged that Yedyurappa is successfully implementing the hidden agenda of the Sangh Parivar.
KPSC conducts examinations and recruitment process for appointments of officers to the services of the State key positions including civil services. KPSC used to have a Muslim member on board since its formation in the year 1951. This was done to ensure safeguarding of the interests of Muslim community. All the successive governments in Karnataka followed this practice from 1951 to 2010.
Reacting to the decision, on Oct 22 the lone Muslim minister in Karnataka cabinet, Mr. Mumtaz Ali Khan regretted that there is no Muslim member in the KPSC and that his efforts failed in the matter. He stated in a press note: “I had recommended a Muslim, Mr. Mohammed Sanaulla, Secretary, Minority Welfare Department, for this post. I had talked to the chief minister and reminded this on several occasions, but my efforts have gone vane. The sad part is that there is no Muslim representation in the KPSC now.”
Masood Abdul Khadir, Convener Karnataka Muttahida Mahaz said, it has been a tradition in Karnataka that a Muslim has always been a member of the KPSC board. But, for the first time the state BJP government has decided to choose a person not from the Muslim community. “The appointment of a Jain overlooking a Muslim candidate clearly shows the bias of the present
government” added Khadir.
Muttahida Mahaz is organizing a meeting of Muslim legislators, Ulama and intellectuals on Oct 30 in Bangalore. “Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the meeting” informed Khadir.