Minority rift: Congress to wait for bypoll verdict before next move

Bengaluru/Hubballi: Congress has deferred a decision on internal disciplinary issues until the outcome of the Davanagere South bypoll on May 4, even as tension within its minority functionaries continues to simmer. Sources say party brass has opted for a calibrated approach, linking any further action to the electoral verdict. An AICC functionary said the party will internally review the outcome and examine the conduct of those under the lens. "A victory may settle the issue, but an adverse outcome could lead to further action," the functionary said. The standoff stems from disciplinary action for alleged anti-party activity against two MLCs — K Abdul Jabbar, who was suspended from primary membership of the party, and Naseer Ahmed, who was removed as political secretary to the chief minister. It triggered dissent within a section of Muslim functionaries, while another faction backed the move, citing organisational discipline. Housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan is also under scrutiny for allegedly supporting rival candidates to defeat Congress nominee Samarth Shamanur. Zameer has denied the allegations and is learnt to have conveyed his position to Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka. He reportedly cited prior commitments to campaign in Kerala and internal coordination issues in Davanagere South as reasons for his limited involvement. Senior functionaries close to chief minister Siddaramaiah have also raised concerns with central brass, cautioning against precipitate action. In a communication to Rahul Gandhi, they highlighted the sensitivity of any move against Zameer, pointing to the role of minority and Dalit support in the party's 2023 assembly victory. Within the state unit, senior functionaries have warned that premature disciplinary measures could deepen factional divides. The issue has exposed fault lines within Muslim functionaries, with one camp backing Zameer and another aligned with leaders such as Saleem Ahmed and Rizwan Arshad. The discontent has spilled beyond the party. A section of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations' Federation criticised the disciplinary action, alleging that the party was overlooking the community despite its electoral backing. In a memorandum to the high command, they flagged possible political repercussions. However, another group of Muslim members and KPCC office-bearers supported the disciplinary measures, attributing confusion among voters in Davanagere South to internal dissent. Senior ministers have also intervened. Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi met state Congress chief DK Shivakumar and flagged concerns over the handling of the issue. Shivakumar is learnt to have acknowledged lapses and assured corrective steps. Across the state, several Muslim voices have accused Congress brass of targeting prominent Muslim figures instead of resolving internal differences through dialogue. They said the action has sent a negative signal to Muslim voters across Karnataka and could have implications in the 2028 assembly elections. Gurunath Ullikashi, leader of Ahinda Samata Sena, said the confusion needs to be addressed, adding that Ahinda would be incomplete without Muslims. Ashraf Ali Bashirahemad, convener of Muslim Voice of Karnataka (MVOK), said the party was gradually losing the community's trust, and recent action had created a perception that Muslim members were being singled out. Quote Abdul Jabbar's suspension may be reconsidered after results of the Davanagere South byelection are announced. There are instances where suspended members were reinstated. No action has been taken against others. We are not sure whether any anti-party activity took place. We will discuss this issue once results are declared Satish Jarkiholi | minister
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