Shivakumar Says Action Against Congress Leaders Taken On Delhi’s Direction
Shivakumar says Delhi guided action, denies rift with Siddaramaiah.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Friday said that disciplinary action against party leaders cannot be taken without approval from the central leadership in Delhi, amid controversy over the suspension of two minority leaders from the Congress party. He emphasised that the move was based on internal reports and party guidelines, not personal considerations.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar stated that action against a sitting MLA or MLC requires direction from the party high command. “There is nothing personal in the action taken. We have to act based on guidance. People may blame me, but we must function under party discipline,” he said, responding to criticism surrounding the suspensions.
The remarks come after the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee suspended MLC Abdul Jabbar for alleged anti-party activities during the recent by-election in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency. Jabbar, who previously headed the party’s Minority Wing, had already been asked to resign from his post before the suspension was formalised.
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In a related development, MLC Naseer Ahmad was also relieved of his role as political advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 14 over similar allegations. The actions triggered protests and criticism from sections of the Muslim community, with some leaders accusing the party of bias and warning of political repercussions.
Responding to concerns that the move could send a negative message to minority communities, Shivakumar maintained that the Congress party remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, farmers and minorities. He reiterated that disciplinary decisions are taken in line with party principles and organisational structure.
Shivakumar also dismissed reports of internal rifts between himself and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Refuting claims of factionalism, he said there are no “camps” within the party and that all 139 MLAs belong to a unified Congress group. “We discuss matters daily. The idea of separate camps is a media creation,” he added, seeking to project unity within the state leadership.
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