Members of the Muslim community gathered under the banner of the Muslim Rights Forum of Shivamogga at Ameer Ahmed Circle on Monday and urged the Congress party to appoint former minister Zameer Ahmed Khan as the Deputy Chief Minister.

The protesters raised slogans in support of Mr. Ahmed and contended that he merited the position given his contributions to the party. They highlighted his efforts to build bridges across communities, his commitment to social justice and communal harmony, and his responsiveness to the needs of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities during his tenure as a Minister.

In a memorandum addressed to All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge, the forum expressed the Muslim community’s expectation that Mr. Ahmed would be inducted as Deputy Chief Minister. “The Muslim community has steadfastly supported the Congress party for decades. The party must reciprocate by recognising and fulfilling the community’s aspirations,” the memorandum stated.

Munawar Pasha, president of the forum, along with office-bearers Mujeebulla Tariq, Nurulla Khan, and Ansar Pasha, led the protest.