Muslim leaders in Karnataka have expressed strong discontent with the Congress party's recent actions, particularly regarding the Davanagere South by-election. Mufti Iftikhar Ahmad Qasmi, president of the Karnataka unit of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, criticized the party for acting without due process, specifically pointing to the removal of MLC Naseer Ahmed from his position as political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the expulsion of MLC Abdul Jabbar. Qasmi alleged that Jabbar was pressured to resign before his removal and questioned why no action was taken against senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who supported a rival BJP candidate. The leaders highlighted the party's failure to nominate a Muslim candidate despite a substantial minority electorate, asserting that this could jeopardize the AHINDA coalition that has historically bolstered Congress's electoral strength in the state. They warned that the party might face backlash in the upcoming 2028 elections if these issues are not addressed. In response, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi indicated plans to meet with state party president DK Shivakumar to discuss these concerns, emphasizing the need to avoid sending a negative message to the Muslim community.