‘Nobody Is Being Victimised’: DK Shivakumar’s Defence Amid Minority Infighting In Karnataka Congress

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 14:21 IST

DK Shivakumar's remarks came amid growing debate within the Karnataka Congress over whether disciplinary steps were taken in haste without following internal procedures

Even as infighting within the minority leadership of the Karnataka Congress has come to the fore, with senior leaders expressing dissatisfaction over disciplinary action against Chief Minister’s former political secretary Naseer Ahmed and suspension of MLC Abdul Jabbar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar sought to contain the fallout.

He rejected claims that any group within the party was being targeted.

The developments have exposed internal divisions within the party’s minority ranks following the recent bypoll developments.

Rift out in the open

Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan openly expressed displeasure over the manner in which action was taken, stating that due process should have been followed before initiating disciplinary measures.

“Taking action suddenly is not correct. There is a procedure for action. First, a notice should be issued, then clarification must be sought, and only after that should a decision be taken," he said in Bengaluru.

Defending Naseer Ahmed, Zameer noted that he is a senior politician and any allegations of anti-party activity should have been addressed through established procedures. “If he has done anything against the party, action can be taken, but it must be done according to procedure. Many of us share the same view," he added, noting that senior leader Satish Jarkiholi had also echoed similar concerns.

Zameer also indicated that the dissatisfaction among sections of the minority leadership and religious figures was real but insisted that efforts were underway to resolve the crisis. “It is true that some religious leaders are unhappy. We will speak to everyone and set things right," he said, responding to reports that Muslim religious leaders had written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressing concerns about developments within the party. He downplayed speculation of deeper divisions, stating that differing opinions among leaders were natural and should not be given undue importance.

What DK Shivakumar said

“No one is being victimised. Party discipline is the same for everyone. Everyone must adhere to discipline," Shivakumar said, responding to allegations that minority leaders were being singled out for action.

His remarks came amid growing debate within the party over whether disciplinary steps were taken in haste without following internal procedures.

The unfolding developments have highlighted a widening rift among minority leaders within the Congress, particularly in the aftermath of the Davangere bypoll episode, where allegations of anti-party activities triggered disciplinary action against several leaders.

While some leaders have defended the party’s decision as necessary to maintain discipline, others have questioned the timing and manner of the action, warning that hasty decisions could deepen resentment within sections of the party’s support base.

With complaints from minority leaders, letters from religious figures, and public disagreements among senior functionaries, the Congress leadership now faces the challenge of restoring unity within its ranks while maintaining its disciplinary authority.

Party insiders say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether internal dialogue can contain the fallout or whether the divisions will widen further.

News politics ‘Nobody Is Being Victimised’: DK Shivakumar’s Defence Amid Minority Infighting In Karnataka Congress

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