CM Siddaramaiah condoles death of Dakshina Kannada Qazi Twaha Ahmad Musliyar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, expressed grief over the passing of Alhaj Twaha Ahmad Musliyar, the district Qazi of Dakshina Kannada, describing the loss as one felt not just by the Muslim community but by society at large.
Context
In a post on X written in Kannada, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the news of the death of Dakshina Kannada Jilla Khazi Alhaj Twaka Ahmad Musliyar (District Qazi Alhaj Twaha Ahmad Musliyar of Dakshina Kannada) had caused him deep sorrow. He described the deceased as someone who 'always yearned for peace and harmony in society' and combined religious duties with a steadfast commitment to community service.
The Chief Minister noted that Twaha Ustad, as he was widely known, was a person of 'calm temperament, simple conduct, and immense religious scholarship.' Siddaramaiah prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and for the strength to bear the loss to be granted to his followers and family members.
Policy Backdrop
The role of a district Qazi in Karnataka is a formal religious position within the Muslim community, carrying responsibilities related to religious adjudication, community guidance, and social welfare. Dakshina Kannada, a coastal district in Karnataka, has a historically diverse religious population and has at various times been a focal point of communal harmony initiatives.
State chief ministers in India routinely issue public condolence statements on the passing of prominent local religious figures, a practice that reflects both protocol and the importance of interfaith goodwill in politically diverse states like Karnataka.
Stakeholder Impact
The Muslim community of Dakshina Kannada has lost a senior religious scholar and social guide. Twaha Ahmad Musliyar's work, according to the Chief Minister's tribute, extended beyond religious functions to active community service, making his passing significant to a broad cross-section of residents in the coastal district.
Siddaramaiah's condolence message signals the state government's recognition of the Qazi's contribution to social cohesion in a region where communal relations have historically required careful stewardship by both civil society and political leadership.
What's Next
Responses from other political leaders, community organisations, and religious bodies in Dakshina Kannada are expected in the coming days. The passing of a figure of this stature in the district's Muslim community is likely to prompt broader tributes from civil society groups that worked alongside him on peace and welfare initiatives.