It is being said that to fulfill the 20-year-old demand of the Muslims of Kittur Karnataka, Saleem Ahmed should be inducted as a minister this time. Political and social circles argue that the cabinet needs leaders with honesty, transparency, and integrity.

Ashfaq Ahmed Madaki, President of the United Muslim Forum Karnataka, said that leadership should not be based on money or muscle power, but on impeccable character and a spirit of public service. According to him, Saleem Ahmed is recognized in Karnataka politics as a principled and honest leader committed to public welfare.

Beginning his career in student politics in 1982, Saleem Ahmed went on to hold key posts in NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress. He was first elected to the Legislative Council in 1996 and is currently serving his second term as Chief Whip. He has also served as Director of the Nehru Youth Centre Organisation, Special Representative of Karnataka in Delhi, and Secretary of the All India Congress Committee.

Alongside politics, he has been active in social reform. At a major Sufi Saints’ conference in Hubli earlier this year, he appealed for peace, harmony, and mutual tolerance.

Experts believe that if Saleem Ahmed is included in the cabinet during the upcoming reshuffle, it will not only fulfill the long-pending demand of the Muslims of Kittur Karnataka but also strengthen principled and effective governance across the state.