Karnataka bypoll sparks Congress crisis,state minority wing chief resigns

Bengaluru: The aftermath of the Davanagere South assembly bypoll has escalated into an internal crisis in Congress, with KPCC minority wing president K Abdul Jabbar resigning amid allegations of anti-party activity involving him and minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.Jabbar's resignation follows an internal report by AICC in-charge secretary Abhishek Dutt, which flagged factional fighting and poor coordination among minority functionaries as factors that may have impacted the party's performance. The report has been submitted to the party high command, triggering discussions on possible action.Zameer is also under scrutiny, with several MLAs reportedly accusing him of non-cooperation during the campaigning. A section within the party has alleged that both Zameer and Jabbar stayed away from early campaigning, with the minister joining only in the final phase, a move said to have failed in reassuring minority voters.Jabbar, who is a member of the legislative council, however, said his resignation was not linked to the internal report but stemmed from being sidelined during the campaign. He said he resigned on April 3 and questioned the circumstances around the resignation letter becoming public now.Some party functionaries have also raised concerns over the timing of the letter surfacing, suggesting it may have been withheld during the campaign period.In his resignation letter to KPCC president DK Shivakumar, Jabbar said the decision was driven by dissatisfaction among minorities following developments during the bypoll. He alleged that key discussions were held without his involvement despite his support for the party's victory. He also raised concerns over the ticket allotment, claiming internal suggestions were ignored, including proposals to give opportunities to other communities.Rejecting speculation of personal ambition, Jabbar said he had never sought a ministerial post and that the demand was only for fair representation of minorities. He alleged that remarks against Zameer by Davanagere district in-charge minister SS Mallikarjun and others had hurt sentiments within the minority community. He said no disciplinary action had been taken or an apology issued by the party so far.Jabbar also alleged attempts to create divisions within the community, saying such developments were unprecedented in his 45-year association with Congress and would not benefit the organisation in the long run.Quote hangerCongress is a party that works inclusively, but recent developments have left Muslims distressed and disappointed not just in Davanagere but across the state. Under such circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to continue in the post (of KPCC minority president)Abdul Jabbar | MLC