Bengaluru: Speculation around a possible Cabinet reshuffle after the special legislature session has renewed debate on Muslim representation within the Karnataka Congress. Party leaders expect a major rejig as nearly half the ministers prepare for organisational roles ahead of local body polls and the 2028 Assembly election.
Sources indicate the reshuffle could include up to three Cabinet berths for Muslim legislators. With senior figures such as the late Jaffer Sharief, C M Ibrahim, and Roshan Baig no longer active, second rung leaders are competing for political space and visibility within the community.
Recent remarks by Zaid Khan, son of Wakf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, sharpened internal tensions. Zaid claimed his father played a role in securing a Congress ticket for Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad during the 2023 election. Rizwan’s supporters rejected the claim and highlighted his longer political journey.
Rizwan Arshad rose through the NSUI and Youth Congress, served twice as state Youth Congress president, worked as an AICC secretary, and contested the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and 2019. Zameer Ahmed Khan, a four time MLA from Chamarajpet, joined the Congress in March 2018 after leaving the JD(S).
Both leaders align with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, represent Bengaluru constituencies, and belong to the Urdu speaking Sunni section, which forms a large part of Karnataka’s Muslim population. Party insiders note discomfort over Zameer’s public interventions during episodes such as the DJ Halli KG Halli violence, the Hubballi unrest, and disputes linked to Wakf land notices. Rizwan is viewed as an organisation focused leader.
The contest extends further. Shantinagar MLA N A Haris earlier sought a ticket for his son Mohammad Nalapad from Shivajinagar. Among nine Muslim MLAs, Zameer and Rahim Khan hold ministerial positions. Naseer Ahmed and Legislative Council chief whip Saleem Ahmed also figure among aspirants, reflecting wider community churn.
