NewsFlash Daily™
17 April
The Davanagere South bypoll has ignited a fierce internal battle inside Karnataka Congress as disciplinary action against Muslim leaders led to heated arguments in the state cabinet meeting
Bengaluru: Even before the final political impact of the Davanagere South by-election is fully assessed, the Karnataka Congress is facing a deep internal crisis. A simmering cold war among party leaders has now burst into the open, exposing cracks in the ruling party’s unity.
The immediate trigger was disciplinary action against prominent Muslim leaders, which reportedly caused sharp divisions during Thursday’s Karnataka cabinet meeting. The issue turned into a heated confrontation involving senior ministers and community-based political camps.
Cabinet Meeting Turns Tense Over Action Against Muslim Leaders
Sources said strong objections were raised over the suspension of MLC Abdul Jabbar and the removal of Naseer Ahmed from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
Several ministers reportedly questioned the timing and severity of the action, warning that it could send the wrong message to minority communities ahead of crucial political contests.
Priyank Kharge Raises Alarm
Minister Priyank Kharge is said to have strongly cautioned the leadership that the party risks alienating Muslim voters.
He reportedly argued that failures in outreach, communication, and campaign strategy should not be unfairly blamed on individual Muslim leaders.
“We are losing the Muslim community,” Priyank Kharge reportedly warned during the discussion.
Satish Jarkiholi Questions Hasty Decision
Senior minister Satish Jarkiholi also opposed the move, stating that action against Abdul Jabbar was taken in haste.
He reportedly warned that such disciplinary steps may provoke resentment among minority voters and create avoidable political damage for Congress.
Lingayat Ministers Counter With Strong Stand
During the debate, ministers from the Lingayat community are said to have intervened, asserting that no one is bigger than the party and disciplinary action becomes necessary when mistakes are committed.
This reportedly escalated the verbal clash, turning the cabinet discussion into a full-scale political face-off between competing internal groups.
DK Shivakumar, Mallikarjun Walk Out
As tensions rose inside the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister S.S. Mallikarjun reportedly walked out of the cabinet session, highlighting the seriousness of the disagreement.
Their exit has intensified speculation over growing discomfort within the Karnataka Congress leadership structure.
Siddaramaiah Tries Damage Control
After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly spoke with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and attempted to calm the situation.
He is said to have expressed confidence that Congress would win both Davanagere and Bagalkot, sending a reassurance message to minority communities and party workers.
