Bengaluru, April 17, 2026 — The Karnataka Congress is grappling with a fresh internal rift following disciplinary action against prominent minority community leaders over alleged anti-party activities during the recent Davanagere South bypoll, sparking concerns of alienating a key support base.
The controversy erupted after the April 9 bypolls to Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies. Tensions surfaced when a section of Muslim leaders accused some senior party colleagues of orchestrating an "internal conspiracy" to undermine the official Congress candidate, Samarth Mallikarjun (son of Mines and Geology Minister S.S. Mallikarjun), in Davanagere South—a segment with a significant Muslim voter base. Minority leaders had reportedly pushed for a candidate from their community but were overruled.
In response, the party high command directed action based on a report by an AICC secretary. Karnataka Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar suspended three-time MLC K. Abdul Jabbar from the party's primary membership for alleged anti-party activities. Jabbar had earlier resigned as chairman of the KPCC Minority Department, citing "deep disappointment" among minority leaders over candidate selection and perceived sidelining.
Additionally, MLC Naseer Ahmed (also referred to as Nasir Ahamed), who served as political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was removed from the post with immediate effect. Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan was pulled up and asked to clarify his position to the high command over claims of insufficient campaigning and possible links to the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) candidate in the bypoll.
The moves have triggered sharp reactions within the party. Senior leaders, including IT and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge, described the actions against Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed as "hasty" and "harsh." PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday to discuss the matter, with sources indicating efforts to revoke Jabbar's suspension to prevent further damage to minority support.
A joint press conference by ulema and Muslim leaders, including Mufti Iftikhar Ahmad Qasmi of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (Karnataka unit), accused the party of arbitrary action and warned that it risks alienating the AHINDA (Backward Classes, Minorities, and Dalits) coalition—a cornerstone of Congress's electoral strength in the state. They argued that targeting minority leaders sends a "wrong message" that the community is being sidelined.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the disciplinary steps, stating they were based on the AICC report into the alleged sabotage. He is scheduled to travel to Delhi, where he is expected to brief the high command amid the simmering crisis. Shivakumar has denied any personal role in the actions against the leaders.
The Davanagere South bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa. While Congress fielded a family member of a senior leader, internal dissent over ticket distribution and campaign management has exposed deeper factional cracks, including between loyalists of Siddaramaiah and other groups.
Party sources indicate the high command is keen on projecting unity, but the public airing of grievances—ranging from candidate selection disputes to accusations of indirect support for rival candidates—has complicated matters. Some ministers reportedly suggested deferring action until after bypoll results to avoid signaling weakness.
This is the latest in a series of internal challenges for the Karnataka Congress, which has been navigating leadership dynamics between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar while preparing for future electoral battles. Observers note that any prolonged alienation of minority voters could have repercussions in constituencies where the community holds sway.
As damage control efforts continue, including possible reviews of the suspensions, the episode underscores the delicate balancing act within the party between enforcing discipline and retaining diverse support bases.
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