Karnataka Minister Mahadevappa’s ‘dog’ remark sparks row; loyal Congress leaders are not street dogs, says D.K. Suresh

Speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka after the State Legislature’s Budget session has yet again triggered sharp reactions within the ruling Congress, following controversial remarks by Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa.

Mr. Mahadevappa, a close confidant of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, dismissed talk of a leadership change and took a dig at party colleagues pushing for it, making an analogy to street dogs. His remarks sparked criticism from within the party.

‘Leadership is strong’

“There is no question of leadership change. Our leadership is strong,” Mr. Mahadevappa said. Criticising some MLAs and Ministers for seeking intervention from the Congress high command, he added, “Who gives directions to the high command? Can you or I do it? Can the tail wag the dog? There is no discussion about any change in leadership.”

Referring to a High Court ruling on stray dogs, the Minister said, “The High Court has said catch the street dogs and cage them... Here, the leadership remains strong.” When asked to clarify whether his remarks were aimed at those demanding a leadership change, Mr. Mahadevappa replied, “I didn’t say anything. I don’t know. Leadership is strong here,” reiterating that the high command gives instructions and not the other way around.

The comments were widely seen as an indirect reference to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and MLAs backing him for the Chief Minister’s post. Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar have been involved in a political tussle in November and December last year, prompting the party high command to intervene and urge both leaders to hold dinner meetings to ease tensions. However, tension has persisted.

On Tuesday, responding to Mr. Mr. Mahadevappa’s statement, Mr. Shivakumar sarcastically said, “He is a big man and now he is our party high command.”

Loyalty of dogs

Former MP and Mr. Shivakumar’s brother, D.K. Suresh, strongly rebutted the comments and said, “Loyal Congress workers are not street dogs... A dog is a loyal animal. A staunch Congressman is like a dog that remembers the debt of its owner and pays it back.”

He clarified that he did not know whom Mr. Mahadevappa was referring to, but asserted that committed Congress leaders are “honest dogs”. “They never ditch those who supported them. Whether stray or domesticated, a loyal dog repays its master’s debt. That is the nature of loyalty,” he said.

Despite the exchange of sharp remarks, both Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar have stated that they will abide by the Congress high command’s decision on any leadership change in the State.

‘CM himself will speak when time comes’

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that any decision on leadership will be taken collectively. “As I have said earlier, the decision has been taken by me, Siddaramaiah and the high command together. This is not any secret or clandestine deal between Mr. Siddaramaiah and me. When the time comes, Mr. Siddaramaiah himself will convey our decision to the people of the State,” he said.