Bengaluru, April 18 (NationPress) In response to allegations that minority leaders are being unfairly targeted within the Karnataka Congress, especially after actions taken against two Muslim Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) for anti-party activities during the recent bypolls, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara declared on Saturday that there is absolutely no intent to target minorities, asserting that they form the foundation of the Congress.

While addressing journalists in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, "We are not targeting minority leaders. They have consistently been the backbone of our party. During my tenure as party president in two general elections, they stood by us. Even now, it is about mutual support. We must prioritize their development."

He emphasized, "Thus, minorities will continue to support us, and ensuring their development is our responsibility. It is a misconception that the situation regarding the Davanagere South issue will lead to significant changes. That belief is entirely unfounded. We coexist amicably, and there's no reason for any discontent over a single Assembly seat. Together with the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) and the party President (Mallikarjun Kharge), we will address any concerns."

It is noteworthy that Muslim leaders had requested a ticket to contest the Davanagere South bypoll. However, the party decided to nominate the grandson of the late veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

In light of these events, the Congress party expelled MLC Abdul Jabbar from its primary membership, while another MLC, Naseer Ahmad, lost his position as the Chief Minister's political advisor.

Responding to former Minister K.N. Rajanna's remarks suggesting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains silent when Muslim leaders face targeting within the party, Parameshwara remarked that this was merely Rajanna's personal perspective.

"The media should refrain from seeking my opinion about his (K.N. Rajanna's) statements," the Karnataka Home Minister added.

Regarding Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's accusation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conspired against convicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in relation to the murder case of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda, for which Kulkarni received a life sentence, Parameshwara commented, "I am unaware of the context or intent behind that statement."

"Nevertheless, it is vital to honor the country's judicial system. There is room to discuss the merits and drawbacks and to file an appeal. Kulkarni has the right to appeal and assert that the judgment is incorrect; provisions exist for that. I trust he will pursue this. However, as public representatives, we cannot question the court's decisions," he added.

On the issue of delayed internal reservation, Parameshwara stated, "This matter has been deliberated in the state Cabinet. A technical committee has been established, with members from the Department of Personnel Administration and Reforms (DPAR) and the Social Welfare Department to be appointed under the Chief Secretary's leadership to finalize the roster system. When the government formulates a law, it must withstand legal scrutiny and adhere to the legal framework. This issue will likely be revisited in the upcoming Cabinet meeting."

"We are not opposed to it. The only stipulation is that it must be conducted lawfully," he added.