Caught between bypoll fallout and loyalists, Siddaramaiah heads to Delhi

As Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah heads to Delhi on Friday, he has much to explain to the Congress leadership regarding the simmering political crisis within his government and the party, triggered by allegations of internal sabotage in the high-stakes Davanagere South bypoll.

The immediate flashpoint has been the Congress high command’s action against key minority leaders. KPCC Minority Affairs president K Abdul Jabbar has been expelled from the party’s primary membership, while MLC Naseer Ahmed has been removed as the Chief Minister’s political secretary. The Chief Minister now finds himself caught between taking action against his confidant and Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.

These developments come amid allegations that sections within the party, including leaders close to the Chief Minister, may have backed rebel candidates in the Davanagere South by-election. More than 10 rebel candidates filed nominations in the constituency, raising serious questions about internal discipline and coordination.

ALLEGATIONS OF ‘INTERNAL CONSPIRACY’

According to party sources, reports submitted to the Congress high command, including inputs from senior observers and intelligence agencies, point to a possible “internal conspiracy” to undermine the official Congress candidate, Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

While Zameer Ahmed Khan has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that he was engaged in election work in Kerala and returned only on April 5, the controversy has put Siddaramaiah in a difficult position, caught between defending loyalists and responding to the high command’s demand for accountability.

The episode has also raised uncomfortable questions. Was the Chief Minister unaware of the rebellion brewing within his own camp? Did intelligence inputs fail, or were warnings ignored? And if there was a lapse, where does responsibility lie?

MINORITY POLITICS AT THE CENTRE

The crisis has taken a sharper turn with concerns emerging from within the minority community. A section of Congress leaders fears that disciplinary action against Muslim leaders could send a damaging political message.

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi publicly acknowledged these concerns, saying he would raise the issue with Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar. “The wrong message shouldn’t go out that after Valmiki, now the Muslim community is being targeted,” he said.

The reference to the earlier removal of senior leader KN Rajanna has added to perceptions of selective action within the party.

A representative body of Islamic scholars in Karnataka has also expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the party ignored repeated demands for a minority candidate in Davanagere South, where Muslims form a significant voter base. The decision to field Samarth Mallikarjun instead triggered resentment, which leaders now admit may have contributed to internal dissent.

The ulema further warned that the removal of leaders like Naseer Ahmed and Abdul Jabbar sends a “disturbing signal” to the community, which has historically been a key support base for the Congress.

POWER TUSSLE AND POLITICAL OPTICS

The developments are unfolding against the backdrop of an ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress. While Siddaramaiah leads the government, DK Shivakumar remains a powerful organisational figure, and the two are often seen as rival centres of influence.

Recent public appearances have added to the intrigue. Siddaramaiah has been seen sharing the stage and engaging warmly with Zameer Ahmed Khan, signalling continued confidence in his minister despite the controversy. At a recent event, the Chief Minister expressed optimism about Congress winning both Davanagere and Bagalkote, projecting unity within the leadership.

At the same time, a new set of minority leaders, including Saleem Ahmed and Rizwan Arshad, is emerging, credited by party insiders with working to contain the rebellion and consolidate support for the official candidate.

ADMINISTRATIVE SHAKE-UPS

The current crisis is not an isolated episode. Over the past ten months, Siddaramaiah has overseen a series of high-profile removals, including senior bureaucrats such as IAS officer LK Ateeq and IPS officers Hemanth Nimbalkar and Dayanand, as well as his own political advisors.

While these moves are being framed as efforts to maintain administrative integrity, critics argue they point to instability within the Chief Minister’s office and raise questions about decision-making at the top.

DELHI VISIT AND HIGH COMMAND MEETING

Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, around 30 Congress MLAs considered loyal to Siddaramaiah are currently camping in Delhi, reportedly seeking Cabinet berths. The move is being interpreted by some as an attempt to shift the narrative and consolidate support ahead of any potential reshuffle.

Siddaramaiah is expected to meet senior party leadership during his visit, accompanied by Shivakumar. While officially described as a routine engagement, the trip is widely seen as crucial in determining the next course of action in Karnataka.

According to political observers, the Congress party in Karnataka has reached a critical moment, with the leadership facing the challenge of restoring cohesion without alienating key support bases amid factional tensions, minority discontent, and allegations of sabotage. The handling of the Davanagere episode could have implications far beyond a single bypoll, potentially shaping the party’s political trajectory in the state in the months ahead.

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