Fresh internal tensions have surfaced within the Karnataka Congress following allegations that senior party leaders covertly supported a rival candidate during the Davangere South by-election held on April 9. The controversy centres around state minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLCs Naseer Ahmed and Jabbar, who are accused of backing SDPI candidate Afsar Kodlipete, reportedly even extending financial support to his campaign.
According to party sources, the issue has been escalated to the Congress high command, with several leaders flagging the matter as a serious instance of indiscipline. The All India Congress Committee is now said to be considering disciplinary action against those involved, although the party has not yet issued an official statement.
The dispute appears to have originated during the ticket distribution process for the bypoll, which was necessitated by the death of sitting MLA and senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The three leaders allegedly pushed for the nomination of a Muslim candidate, citing the constituency’s demographic composition. However, the party leadership chose Samarth Mallikarjun, the son of minister SS Mallikarjun, as its official nominee.
Following this decision, the leaders in question are believed to have become dissatisfied and allegedly worked against the party’s official candidate. Reports suggest that substantial funds may have been channelled to support the rival campaign, intensifying concerns within the party about internal sabotage.
The situation poses a potential embarrassment for the Congress in Karnataka, particularly if disciplinary measures are taken against senior figures within its own ranks. It also comes at a politically sensitive time, with underlying tensions already evident between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over leadership dynamics.
With the next Assembly elections less than two years away, the episode could have wider implications for party unity and electoral strategy. The unfolding developments highlight the challenges of managing internal dissent while maintaining organisational cohesion in a competitive political environment.
