The Karnataka Congress faces potential turmoil as senior leaders have been accused of backing a rival candidate during the Davangere South by-election. Allegations surfaced against State Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLCs Naseer Ahmed and Jabbar, who are reportedly supporting Afsar Kodlipete, a candidate from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). Sources within the party suggest that these leaders may have been involved in financially underpinning Kodlipete’s campaign.

Concerns around this matter have reportedly reached the upper echelons of the Congress party, with several members raising the issue with the Congress high command. Speculation is rife that the All India Congress Committee may initiate disciplinary proceedings against the concerned minister and the two MLCs, though no official communication has been issued by the party at this point.

Context of the Bypoll and Candidate Selection

The ongoing controversy traces its origins to the ticket allocation process for the upcoming by-election, necessitated by the demise of the incumbent MLA, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a prominent Congress figure. The bypoll’s vote counting is slated for May 4. Reports indicate that tensions have emerged regarding candidate selection, as the constituency boasts a significant minority population which led the three leaders to propose a Muslim candidate. However, despite their advocacy, party leadership designated Samarth Mallikarjun, son of State Minister SS Mallikarjun, as the official nominee.

This selection reportedly did not sit well with Khan, Ahmed, and Jabbar, which prompted them to allegedly work against the party’s official candidate. Sources have claimed that the trio may have diverted approximately Rs 10 crore to bolster the SDPI candidate’s campaign, effectively undermining their party’s efforts.

Should the high command contemplate severe action against the dissenting leaders, the Congress party could face an embarrassing situation in Karnataka, which might impact its standing ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Political Implications and Leadership Tensions

The rift within the Karnataka Congress emerges amidst an existing divide between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding the leadership’s direction. With Assembly elections approaching in less than two years, this latest episode is likely to complicate the Congress party’s strategy to secure a second term in power.

Political observers note that the implications of this internal strife extend beyond this bypoll, potentially affecting the party’s performance in the broader electoral landscape. The support for the SDPI candidate by senior Congress members, if confirmed, may raise questions about party loyalty and cohesion.

Moreover, the timing of these developments could not be worse for the Congress, which has been attempting to consolidate its position in Karnataka. The management of internal disputes alongside preparation for upcoming elections poses a significant challenge for the party’s leadership.

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