Karnataka Congress Turmoil: Siddaramaiah Heads To Delhi, Loyalists’ Ouster Sparks ‘Helpless CM’ Buzz

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 14:27 IST

After sacking of Siddaramaiah's political secretary Naseer Ahmed and suspension of Jabbar, pressure mounts over alleged SDPI links and demand for action against Zameer Ahmed Khan

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to New Delhi on Friday comes at a politically sensitive time, with the ruling Congress facing intense internal turmoil following allegations that some of his close confidantes worked against the party during the Davangere South by-election and allegedly supported SDPI-backed candidates.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend an event titled ‘Bridge Bengaluru’ at the Taj Palace in the national capital, where he will interact with ambassadors and high commissioners.

However, party insiders indicate that the Delhi visit may also include discussions with the Congress high command leader. Although Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are busy in Parliament, if Siddaramaiah meets other leaders, he is expected to explain the controversy surrounding alleged anti-party activities by his supporters.

The developments follow disciplinary action against senior minority leaders linked to the by-election campaign. Former Karnataka Congress Minority Wing chief Abdul Jabbar has been suspended from the party’s primary membership, while Siddaramaiah’s political secretary Naseer Ahmed was removed from his post after reportedly refusing to resign despite directions from the leadership.

The Chief Minister’s continued silence on the issue has triggered unease among sections of his supporters, with some leaders questioning whether he is under pressure or unable to intervene decisively.

Several party leaders have privately raised concerns about how the alleged rebellion went unnoticed despite early signs of dissent ahead of the nomination filing in the Davangere South by-election. Support to SDPI candidates is viewed within the party as a serious breach of discipline, particularly at a time when Congress is battling to retain minority support across multiple states.

Attention within the party has now turned to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, a long-time associate of Siddaramaiah, who has also been accused by some leaders of working against party interests during the by-election. Zameer, who has remained a prominent figure in Siddaramaiah’s inner circle since his days in the Janata Dal (Secular), is now facing mounting pressure from within the party.

A senior minority leader questioned whether different standards were being applied in disciplinary action. “If MLC Jabbar has been suspended and the Chief Minister’s political secretary Naseer Ahmed has been removed, then how can Zameer Ahmed Khan be spared? He too has been accused of anti-party activity. Can there be different yardsticks?" the leader asked.

Meanwhile, frustration appears to be growing among Siddaramaiah’s close aides over what they describe as the Chief Minister’s lack of a firm public stance on the issue. Senior Congress leader and former minister K.N. Rajanna openly expressed disappointment at Siddaramaiah’s response.

“We didn’t expect Siddaramaiah to be so helpless. We don’t know what his compulsions are. People who are loyal to the party have been facing action. Siddaramaiah is not taking a strong stance, and that is disappointing," Rajanna said.

With the by-election results still awaited, the internal crisis has emerged as a major challenge for the Congress leadership in Karnataka, raising questions about factional unity and the Chief Minister’s control over his political network at a crucial time.

News politics Karnataka Congress Turmoil: Siddaramaiah Heads To Delhi, Loyalists’ Ouster Sparks ‘Helpless CM’ Buzz

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