Induct Prakash Varthur, lose our votes: Muslims

Tumkur: In what could be termed a blow for sitting Kolar MP and Union minister K.H. Muniyappa, members of the Muslim community in Kolar Lok Sabha constituency have reportedly passed a resolution not to support Mr Muniyappa if the Congress decides to use the good offices of Kolar Independent MLA Varthur Prakash to win the poll.

After Varthur Prakash extended his support to K.H. Muniyappa, Muslims held a meeting recently and are said to have decided not to support the Congress if they ‘entertain’ Varthur Prakash. It may be recalled that MLC Nazir Ahmed was defeated at the hands of Varthur Prakash in the last assembly elections. It was said that Mr Muniyappa himself had supported Varthur Prakash in the last assembly elections to defeat Congressman Nazir Ahmed.

The Muslims therefore are not keen on allowing Varthur Prakash into the Congress. But, Mr Muniyappa wants Varthur Prakash to support him to retain the seat. When contacted, Nazir Ahmed said that they did not want to allow Varthur Prakash into the Congress as they are strong enough in Kolar to face the elections. Nazir refused to reveal the discussion held among the Muslim community but, said that the Varthur issue did not come to the fore.  There was a rumour that Varthur would join the Congress before AICC president Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Kolar. Mrs Gandhi is coming to Kolar on Wednesday to campaign in favour of the Congress candidate.

This has made a few Congress workers especially followers of MLC Nazir Ahmed to pass on a message to party leaders that they are opposed to Varthur Prakash’s entry.