Mangaluru: The alleged police harassment of Ahmed Qureshi and subsequent developments have left ruling Congress leaders worried as they feel the party might incur the wrath of the minority community in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in the next assembly elections if corrective measures are not taken immediately.
Qureshi, an accused in an attempt to murder case, was allegedly tortured by the police for about a week. The Popular Front of India (PFI) held a protest and they were lathicharged by the police. Qureshi’s alleged torture was condemned by Muslims who felt they were insecure even under Congress rule and expressed unhappiness against local MLAs and ministers. “Mangaluru Chalo” will be held on May 2 where leaders are expected to place before the public the earlier atrocities allegedly committed on Muslims.
“The Qureshi episode will have a negative impact on Congress prospects. Already we have antagonised Billavas in the region by not giving them a berth in the cabinet. Now we seem to have angered the Muslims too who are our supporters. They feel there is no security even under the Congress rule. The government could have suspended the officials responsible for the alleged harassment. Instead, Congress leaders feel that if any step is taken, it would be akin to giving in to their political rival, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI),” a senior Congress leader told DC.
“If Muslims drift away from the Congress, it will benefit SDPI which has started posing as their protector. We are likely to face the anger of Muslims in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. If the protest rally on May 2 becomes a success, it will widen the divide,” he added.
