Karnataka Congress insiders say that once detailed reports reach Deputy CM and KPCC chief DK Shivakumar, action is likely against leaders found to have violated party discipline
The BJP has alleged that seats previously reserved for local students at an affordable rate of Rs 1.5 lakh are now being sold at premium prices. (PTI)
As heads began to roll in the Karnataka Congress, including the suspension of MLC Abdul Jabbar from the primary membership of the party over alleged anti-party activities during the recent Davanagere South Assembly by-election, sources indicate that this may only be the beginning of a wider crackdown.
Party insiders say that once detailed reports reach Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief DK Shivakumar, stricter action is likely against leaders found to have violated party discipline.
The mood within the Congress, sources admit, is one of “course correction” at a time when the party is simultaneously engaged in electoral battles in multiple states, as well as key contests in Davanagere and Bagalkote, and cannot afford internal sabotage.
Jabbar’s suspension, confirmed through an official communication by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), comes in the backdrop of allegations that he worked against the party’s official candidate, Shamanur Samarth, in Davanagere South. There were also murmurs within the party that he had extended tacit support to an SDPI-backed candidate, deepening concerns over internal dissent.
Jabbar, who had earlier resigned as chairman of the KPCC Minority Department, had also been a ticket aspirant from the constituency. His resignation letter, dated April 3 — nearly a week before polling — pointed to what he described as “disrespect” towards minority leaders within the party. He maintained that minority workers form the backbone of the Congress and “deserve better”.
Speaking to News18, Jabbar said he had full confidence in the party and would only respond formally once he receives the suspension notice. He also called for a broader assessment of “what went wrong” in Davanagere, suggesting that the issue goes beyond individual blame. When asked whether he would meet party leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar, he made it clear that he has no intention of meeting even national leaders at this stage.
THE CHAIN REACTION
The Davanagere episode has triggered a chain reaction within the party.
MLA Rizwan Arshad and KPCC working president Saleem Ahmed are understood to be playing a key role in dousing the Davanagere fire. In a parallel yet linked development, Youth Congress Bengaluru North District Vice President Afreen Khan was expelled after she posted a derogatory video targeting Rizwan Arshad, reportedly calling him “Mir Sadiq”. The action, taken with immediate effect, is being seen as part of a wider attempt by the KPCC to clamp down on indiscipline, even at the level of minor leaders.
However, insiders point out that Afreen had already resigned from her position two days prior, raising questions over the timing of the disciplinary action. “There was little point in suspending someone who had already stepped down,” a party source said, even as the leadership signalled zero tolerance for public dissent.
The internal churn has also sharpened factional lines, particularly around Housing Minister B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan. Some leaders have been calling for stricter action against those seen as aligned with him, even as others warn against targeting specific camps within the party.
Responding to speculation that he could be the next target of disciplinary action, Zameer said he had discussed the matter with both the Chief Minister and D.K. Shivakumar and would continue to meet party leadership. “If I am accused, let them name me. I have not played caste politics,” he said.
The political temperature was evident when Minister S. S. Mallikarjun and Rizwan Arshad met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for over two hours, leaving without speaking to the media, further fuelling speculation about the depth of internal discussions.
At the centre of the storm remains the question of whether minority leaders were sidelined during the bypoll. Jabbar had earlier claimed that neither he nor his department were consulted during ticket distribution, and that he was not invited to campaign by the candidate or local leadership. His absence during much of the campaign had drawn criticism, with party workers questioning whether a sitting MLC needed an invitation to participate.
Local leaders were more blunt. A senior leader from Davanagere told News18, on condition of anonymity, that Jabbar and his supporters not only “backstabbed” the party by staying away from campaign activities but were also working closely with the SDPI.
OLDER GRIEVANCES
The controversy has also revived older grievances. Jabbar, in his resignation letter, referred to statements made against Zameer Ahmed Khan, calling him one of the most prominent Muslim leaders in the Congress after Aziz Sait and C.K. Jaffer Sharief. He said such remarks had hurt party workers and contributed to dissatisfaction within sections of the minority community.
Zameer Ahmed Khan, for his part, struck a conciliatory note while expressing disappointment over the expulsion of senior leader and political secretary to CM Naseer Ahmed. “I am saddened by what happened. He is a senior leader,” Zameer told the media, adding that he had been working extensively for the party, including campaigning in Kerala. “I did not go on holiday. I travelled 350 km a day in the heat to campaign. I worked for the high command,” he said.
Despite the turbulence, senior leaders have maintained that the electoral outcome in Davanagere South is unlikely to be affected significantly. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi had earlier said that while the Congress’ winning margin may dip by 20 percent, the party would still secure victory comfortably.
April 15, 2026, 19:15 IST
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