Shivamogga: Former MP and KPCC spokesperson Ayanur Manjunath on Friday demanded adequate political representation for Muslim and Christian communities in Shivamogga. He urged Congress leadership to prioritise community-wide inclusion over favouring a few individuals or their followers.Speaking to reporters, Manjunath said that political parties must recognise which communities strongly support them and actively work to retain their trust while reaching out to new demographics. He noted a growing dissatisfaction among minority leaders over repeated opportunities being granted to a limited circle.“Muslims and Christians are significant minority communities in the region, and local politics cannot ignore them. There is a tangible sense of hurt that they have not been given key, recognisable positions in the district,” Manjunath said. He warned that failing to address this gap could harm the party’s organisational structure.Dismissing claims that the communities had already received representation in the recent legislative council (MLC) appointments, Manjunath clarified that state-level designations do not represent the local quota for Shivamogga district. He added that combining female and minority representation into a single appointment dilutes opportunities, advocating for distinct representation for both male and female leaders.*BOX10-day padayatra from Lingsugur to Ballari from Sept 1BJP in Karnataka has declared a 10-day, 175-km padayatra from Lingsugur to Ballari starting Sept 1 (Tuesday) to protest the ruling Congress govt’s administrative failures, corruption, and anti-people policies, said former BJP MLC and Shivamogga division in charge RK Siddaramanna on Friday. Speaking to reporters, he levelled severe allegations against the state govt, emphasising that the administration has focused solely on guarantee schemes while neglecting actual ground-level infrastructure and regional development. Highlighting the severe drought prevailing across 101 taluks in Karnataka, the BJP leader demanded immediate state govt intervention to support distressed farmers with essential supplies like seeds and fertilisers.
