Bengaluru, April 15: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has taken a significant step by suspending MLC Abdul Jabbar from primary membership due to allegations of anti-party activities.
The suspension order was signed by Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar. It stated that the action was taken with immediate effect due to Jabbar’s involvement in anti-party activities during the recent by-elections in the Davangere South assembly constituency.
Abdul Jabbar previously served as the president of the state Congress’s minority wing. He had already been asked to resign, and following his resignation, D.K. Shivakumar disbanded the entire minority wing.
Notably, Congress MLC Nasir Ahmed was also removed from his position as political advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 14 for similar reasons.
This development is likely to intensify power struggles within the party, particularly between the factions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Party sources indicate that both Nasir Ahmed and Abdul Jabbar are considered close to the Siddaramaiah camp and have ties with Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Political activity is reportedly heating up ahead of a potential cabinet reshuffle in the state. Sources suggest that Zameer Ahmed Khan allegedly attempted to create an unfavorable environment against the party candidate for the Davangere South seat. He had demanded that a Muslim candidate be fielded for this seat, but the party awarded the ticket to senior leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
Claims have emerged that Zameer Ahmed Khan, Abdul Jabbar, and Nasir Ahmed conspired to defeat the party candidate to send a message to the high command about the importance of their leadership for Muslim votes in the state. However, Zameer Ahmed Khan has denied these allegations, stating he was busy in Kerala at the time.
AICC leaders who visited Karnataka during the by-elections have reportedly submitted a report on these incidents to the party high command. Following Nasir Ahmed’s removal, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a nearly two-hour meeting with Zameer Ahmed Khan on Tuesday.
According to sources, the party high command is displeased with the entire situation, and the Chief Minister has personally asked Zameer Ahmed Khan to clarify his role.
– D.S.C.
Leave a Comment