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A man who became known as an MLA and minister in 1989 and was later elected as an MLC twice, Ahmed has now faced controversy when he spearheaded a proposal by a Muslim legislator seeking 4 percent reservation for…Read more
Hailing from a background in the business community, Ahmed has been a legislator once in 1989 when he won the Binnypet council seat, and again from Kolar in 2013. (Facebook)
If you see Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressing the media on important issues, one face that can remain in the shadows is still quite important is Naseer Ahmed, the CM’s political secretary.
A man known for working with the Muslim community, having served as an MLA and minister in 1989 and then being elected as an MLC twice – but keeping a relatively low profile – Ahmed is now facing controversy as he spearheads the proposal. by Muslim legislators seeking a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in public works contracts.
Ahmed, often seen as a “non-controversial politician”, prefers to work behind the scenes, allowing party leaders to come up with ideas that will benefit the community.
Having worked with several chief ministers, from Devaraj Urs and S Bangarappa to now Siddaramaiah, Ahmed is someone who prefers to work from the trenches, say people close to him.
“He has never been involved in any scandal, is a sincere politician, and any position he has held has been used for the public. He has maintained a clean image, and you will not find any controversy associated with his name. He is also close to the leadership Senior Congressman Aziz Sait,” said a Muslim leader working with him.
Ahmed, who is currently a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), is said to have pushed for the 4 per cent reservation because he believed that since there was a quota for SC and ST communities to award contracts, the same provision for Muslims would benefit these communities. , explained another Muslim Congress leader.
Ahmed’s letter is based on reports that a group of MLAs sent a memorandum to the chief minister, asking for a quota for Muslim contractors in civil works contracts up to Rs 1 crore.
After Siddaramaiah mentioned that there has been a demand for Muslim reservation, no decision has been taken by the government, Ahmed said he has not heard from the CMO.
Currently, the Muslim community is given 4 percent reservation under the 2B backward class category in education and government jobs in the country.
When News18 approached him, Ahmed refused to comment on the issue.
Coming from a business community background, Ahmed has been a legislator once in 1989 when he won the Binnypet council seat, and again from Kolar in 2013. He is known to have worked his way up and is especially close to former CM S Bangarappa where. he served as a minister of state.
A Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the Government First Grade College at Kolar Gold Fields, Bangalore University in 1980, he is also a prominent businessman with companies related to the garment industry.
A close friend of Ahmed talked about how he created his business venture, Scotts Group of Companies, which was inspired by Captain Gopinath and Air Deccan.
“He was inspired by Captain Gopinath’s idea to provide affordable travel for all Indians, by Indians, and by Indians. He wanted to start a business in the same way. He built a business on this model and was successful until he ran into financial problems,” said the partner. mentioned.
The Congress nominated Ahmed for the post of MLC in 2021 and nominated him as the party’s candidate for the Legislative Council Speaker election. The election was held after the resignation of Congress’s K Prathapachandra Shetty as chairman, to prevent a no-confidence motion against him, which was backed by the ruling BJP, with JD(S) support.
The BJP backed senior JD(S) MLC Basavaraj Horatti for the post of chairman as part of an agreement between the BJP and the JDS, and Horatti won the election.
In 2013, Ahmed agreed to contest in Kolar after leaders asked him to run, hoping to win the Congress in the constituency. He contested against Independent candidate Varthur Prakash but lost.
Political analyst Naheed Ataulla said Ahmed was certainly not controversial. He said he could spearhead a move for a Muslim legislative representative as political secretary, questioning the need for reservation in government jobs.
“It should be based on merit. Why should there be categorization for certain communities? SC and ST communities have their share, but why can’t Muslims apply, are they Muslim contractors or SC contractors?
On Ahmed as a politician, he said: “He has done it when a crisis needs attention, like a quiet problem solver, but nothing really matters.”
