Kalaburagi: Late Congress leader and former Minister, Qamarul- Islam’s wife could contest the coming Assembly polls from the Gulbarga North Assembly constituency he represented, according to his close associates.
Mr Islam’s wife, Kaneez Fathima could make her announcement after the 40 days of mourning are up on September 27.
A six term MLA and a former Lok Sabha member, Mr Islam passed away on September 19 after a brief illness. He was Minister for Muncipal Administration and Wakf in the Siddaramaiah government before he was dropped from the cabinet in June 2016.
As a politician he had a strong hold over Muslim voters, especially of Gulbarga city and neighbouring constituencies. When he wasalive, the Gulbarga North seat was a safe bet for Congress as he would inevitably win it. His death has left a big void as there is no other Muslim Congress leader, who can match him in stature in the district unit of the party.
With no choice, the party has reportedly persuaded Mrs Kaneez Fatima to enter politics. “Mr Islam held sway over the Muslim population for well over 40 years and we don’t want this to end following his demise. Moreover, the Muslim voters will be divided if somebody other than a family member takes over from him. The party will benefit immensely from the sympathy factor,” said party sources.
