Congress Faces Challenges with Muslim Candidates in Upcoming Elections
Manjeshwar & Davanagere South: Too many Muslim candidates keep Congress on edge
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Congress party is experiencing anxiety over a high number of Muslim candidates in Manjeshwar, Kerala, and Davanagere South, Karnataka, ahead of elections on April 9. In Manjeshwar, incumbent AKM Ashraf faces tough competition, while in Davanagere South, Muslim representation reflects community discontent with the Congress's candidate choice.
- 01Congress is concerned about the high number of Muslim candidates in both constituencies.
- 02AKM Ashraf is the incumbent in Manjeshwar but faces a strong challenge from BJP's K Surendran.
- 03In Davanagere South, 14 out of 25 candidates are Muslims, indicating community dissatisfaction with Congress.
- 04The local Muslim population, about 30%, feels the Congress has broken a commitment regarding candidate selection.
- 05Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is actively campaigning in both areas to secure support for Congress.
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The Congress party is facing significant challenges in the upcoming elections on April 9, particularly in Manjeshwar, Kerala, and Davanagere South, Karnataka. In Manjeshwar, incumbent lawmaker AKM Ashraf is up against four Muslim and two Christian candidates, as well as a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s K Surendran. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has campaigned in the area, urging support for Ashraf while addressing concerns about the BJP's influence. Meanwhile, in Davanagere South, 14 of the 25 candidates are Muslims, reflecting a growing discontent within the community towards the Congress after the party opted for a candidate from the Shamanur Shivashankarappa family instead of a Muslim representative. This decision has raised tensions, as local Muslims recall a commitment made by the late Shivashankarappa to support a Muslim candidate. Siddaramaiah's campaign in Davanagere South aims to counteract the unrest and prevent a potential loss that could embolden the BJP.
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The outcome of these elections could significantly affect the Congress's standing among the Muslim community and influence future political alignments.
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