Syed Vahid Addu, president of the Minority wing of the Shivamogga District Congress Committee, held a press conference in Shivamogga on June 1, 2026.
| Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh
The minorities’ wing of the Shivamogga District Congress Committee has demanded that the party induct at least five Muslim legislators in the new state cabinet, including MLC Balkees Banu of Shivamogga.Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on June 1, Syed Vahid Addu, president of the district unit of the Minority wing, said the Muslim community had been a staunch supporter of the Congress party and deserved fair representation in the cabinet in recognition of its contribution to bringing the party to power in Karnataka. He demanded that one Muslim legislator be appointed Deputy Chief Minister, and four others be given ministerial berths.Mr. Addu said MLC Balkees Banu is the lone Muslim legislator from the district. The party should give her a cabinet berth, which would ensure representation for both women and the minority community.On representation for Shivamogga district in the cabinet, he said two legislators from the district should be given berths, including Balkees Banu. He added that among the three Congress MLAs from the district — Madhu Bangarappa, B. K. Sangameshwara and Belure Gopal Krishna — at least one should be given a ministerial post.Mr. Addu also sought suitable recognition for legislators representing the Christian community. Office-bearers of the party’s minorities’ wing were present at the press conference. Published - June 01, 2026 04:33 pm IST
