BJP Govt's move to introduce separate textbook in Sunni Madrasas sparks protest

November 20, 2011

Mangalore, November 20: Hundreds of Sunnis, most of them belonging to EK group, on Saturday staged a protest in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner here, against the alleged government interference in Madrasa education in Karnataka.

The protest was organised under the joint auspices of Samastha Madarasa Hitharakshana Vedike, Federation of Madarasa Administration Committees, SKSSF District Committee and Madarasa Teachers Association to exert pressure on Social Welfare Department (Minority Welfare) of Government of Karnataka to withdraw its recent controversial notification on introducing a separate syllabus for (Sunni) Madrasas.

The protesters also vent their anger against Karnataka Minority Commission Chairman and BJP leader Anwar Manippady, who has recently formed 'Federation of Sunni Muslim' to unite the two quarrelling Sunni fractions, known as AP and EK groups, under BJP leadership.

They alleged that the steps taken by Mr Manippady have only worsened the existing problems among Sunnis.

The agitators also set a two week deadline before the Department to withdraw its notification and to restore the autonomy of the (Sunni) Madrasas in the state. They also warned to intensify the protest from next month if the government failed to meet their demands.

Abbas Darimi Kelinja, Sirajuddin Faizi, Haidar Darimi Kalladka, TM Shahid Sullia, Majeed Suralpady, Abdul Khader Darimi Kukkila, Azeez Darimi Kallega, Usman Faiz Thodar, Renjadi Latheef Darimi, Modinabba Haji and Sadakathullah Faizi were among the protesters.

Most of the Madrasas in the region run by Ahl-u-Sunnat-wal-Jama'at (Sunnis), a group of Muslims controlled by Kerala based mullahs, are dependent either on AP group or on EK group text-books.

Conflict between the above two groups for various reasons including choosing text books for Madrasas has remained a matter of concern for many years.

However, a considerable number of Muslims, who question the legitimacy of mullahs and proclaim Qur'an and Hadith as the final word in religious matters, have prepared separate text-books for Madrasa students.

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Siddaramaiah's camp on alert as Karnataka Congress leadership rift escalates

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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