Deccan News Service @Bidar: 
The Karnataka Muslim Political Forum (KMPF) has stepped forward with a fervent plea to the Congress party high command, urging for the nomination of a Muslim candidate from the Bidar Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming general elections.

In a press conference held at the Bidar Zilla Patrika Bhavan, office-bearers of the KMPF, led by Vice President Syed Salam Pasha Mannaeekhelli, emphasized the need for representation of the minority community in a constituency where over 88% of the population favors the Congress party. The forum cited the historical precedent set in the neighboring Kalaburagi Lok Sabha constituency, where Muslim candidates were previously fielded, albeit in a different electoral context.

Highlighting the significance of the Bidar constituency being a general category, Salam Pasha underscored the strategic importance for the Congress to nominate a Muslim candidate, particularly in light of the community's substantial electoral support. The absence of such representation, he argued, could lead to potential losses for the party, as evidenced in previous elections.

The forum singled out Ayaz Khan as a prime contender for the ticket, citing his commendable contributions to education and community welfare in the district. Abdul Jabbar Gola, president of the Kalaburagi Forum, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the need for proportional representation of Muslims in the state's political landscape.

Gola reiterated the forum's longstanding demand for the reservation of at least five out of the 28 parliamentary seats in Karnataka for Muslim candidates, citing constituencies like Bengaluru Central, Bidar, Haveri, and Dharwad as areas where the community stands a strong chance of winning.

Mahesh Patil, leader of the Ayaz Khan Friends Association, expressed confidence in Khan's ability to secure victory, drawing parallels with the electoral success of BJP candidate Bhagwant Khuba in the previous elections. Patil highlighted Khan's inclusive approach towards community development, particularly through his initiatives in providing free education to individuals from all backgrounds.

As the clamor for minority representation gains momentum in the political discourse of Karnataka, the Congress party faces mounting pressure to address the aspirations of the Muslim community in Bidar and beyond. With the general elections looming on the horizon, the party's decision regarding candidate selection in crucial constituencies like Bidar will undoubtedly shape the contours of electoral dynamics in the state.