Davanagere: Housing minister Zameer Ahmad Khan and his mines and geology counterpart SS Mallikarjun displayed unity Sunday by campaigning together for Congress candidate and latter’s son Samarth Shamanur.Days after his conspicuous absence from campaigning in Davangere, where Zameer had tried to win the ticket for the Muslim community, the housing minister arrived directly from Kerala at Mallikarjun’s house and held a joint press conference.“We have forgotten the past grievances. We will work together for the party’s benefit,” the ministers announced.Zameer said Congress had appointed him as a star campaigner for the Kerala assembly elections and also given him the responsibility of 10 districts, where he was involved in hectic poll duty since March 26.“Following CM Siddaramaiah’s instructions, I have come to campaign for the party’s candidate Samarth Shamanur. When I visited Davangere a few months ago, there was a demand from the Muslim community for a byelection ticket. I had assured them that I would bring it to the high command’s attention. This indeed created confusion. It’s true that some are dissatisfied because the ticket slipped away,” Zameer said.Khan said there were still four days left for voting and that they will set everything right.“The community has now sought an opportunity in the 2028 general elections. We are a Congress family. We will persuade the discontented legislative council member, Abdul Jabbar,” Zameer said. The minister said there were 13 Muslim candidates in the 2023 elections, including those of SDPI, JD(S), and independents, in the Davanagere South constituency, and the combined votes did not exceed 3,000.“Not all who contest will secure votes. Nevertheless, I will attempt to persuade the Muslim candidates now in the fray to give up. This is a Congress stronghold, and Samarth’s victory is certain,” he added.————-QuoteZameer Ahmad and I are friends. We speak informally. There are no differences between us-SS Mallikarjun, minister of mines & geology
