A wave of resignations has begun within the Congress party’s minority wing in Dakshina Kannada, as members express deep frustration with the Karnataka government’s response to recent communal strife and the brutal killing of Abdul Rahman.

The resignations precede a pivotal meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (May 29) at Bolara Shadi Mahal. This gathering, organized by the district’s Congress Minority Unit, aims to address the escalating violence against Muslims and what leaders call the administration’s failure to act decisively.

In a symbolic gesture ahead of the meeting, several minority leaders started stepping down from their roles on Tuesday evening. Their intent is clear — to send a powerful message to the Congress leadership, both in Bengaluru and Delhi, urging them to confront rising sectarianism and targeted attacks in the coastal belt.

Among the key figures to step down is former Mayor Ashraf, who also held the post of Vice President in the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee. He formally resigned from both his position and the party. In his statement, Ashraf condemned the Congress government for not containing the influence of Sangh Parivar outfits, and for failing to tackle hate propaganda and communal crimes. He also accused the authorities of wrongful arrests and biased policing.

Ashraf sharply criticised District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s remark framing Abdul Rahman’s killing as a personal feud. He called it factually incorrect and offensive, demanding a full retraction.