Mangaluru: Muslim cleric raises objections over Speaker UT Khader’s participation in Kola Seva

Team Udayavani, Feb 5, 2024, 8:42 PM IST

Mangaluru: Vidhan Sabha Speaker U.T. Khader participating in Kola Seva and receiving Prasada has ignited a heated debate on the coastal region. A prominent Muslim cleric, Salethur Faizi, openly expressed his displeasure at the actions of Khader.

Speaker UT Khader faced criticism for his participation in the Kola Seva at the Bantwala Panolibailu Kallurti Kshetra.

Salethur Faizi took to social media to voice his concerns, stating, “It is enough if Muslims view UT Khader as a politician devoted to Koragajja. Seeing him as a religious leader on par with ulema is not acceptable.” It sets a bad precedent by contradicting our understanding of idol worship, he said.

Faizi continued, emphasizing the distinction between personal freedom and religious leadership, “While it is Khader’s constitutional right to worship Kallurti or Panjurli, accepting him as a religious leader implies endorsing his idolatry. Ulemas showing respect to him will convey a negative message to the Muslim community.”

Meanwhile, Congress issued a clarification. “Mudipu Block Congress President Prashant Kajava and Congress workers had taken a harake at Panoli Bailu Kshetra to pray for UT Khader’s victory” and that’s why Khader had participated, it said.