Karnataka Congress minister accused of backing SDPI in Davangere South bypoll

The controversy began during ticket allocation for the April 9 bypoll, necessitated by the death of sitting MLA and senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Congress sources indicate that the All India Congress Committee is likely to take disciplinary action against the minister and the two MLCs.

In Short

• Karnataka Congress in trouble over Davangere South by-election
• Disagreement arose from ticket allocation for April 9 bypoll
• Party high command may take disciplinary action soon

Fresh trouble seems to be brewing within the Karnataka Congress after senior leaders allegedly backed a rival candidate in the Davangere South by-election on April 9.

State minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLCs Naseer Ahmed and Jabbar have been accused of covertly supporting SDPI candidate Afsar Kodlipete by allegedly funding his campaign.

According to party sources, several leaders of the Karnataka unit have flagged the issue to the Congress high command. Sources indicate that the All India Congress Committee is likely to take disciplinary action against the minister and the two MLCs.

The Congress party has not issued an official statement on the matter yet.

The controversy began during ticket allocation for the April 9 bypoll, necessitated by the death of sitting MLA and senior Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The three leaders had reportedly pushed for a Muslim candidate, as the constituency has a sizeable minority population. However, the party leadership chose Samarth Mallikarjun, son of state minister SS Mallikarjun, as its official candidate.

Party sources claim that the disgruntled trio began working against the party’s candidate, allegedly funnelling Rs 10 crore to support the SDPI candidate's campaign.

The Congress is staring at a significant embarrassment in Karnataka, if the high command takes strict action against Khan and the two legislators.

The development comes amid the growing rift between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, over the CM's position. With Assembly polls less than two years away, the latest crisis is likely to complicate Congress's push for a second consecutive term.

- Ends