Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar: Actions Against Leaders Follow Delhi's Directive
Synopsis
In a significant political development, Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar clarifies that the suspension of two minority leaders was guided by directives from Delhi, not personal motives. This statement comes amidst rising tensions within the party regarding minority representation.
Key Takeaways
Suspension of minority leaders tied to party discipline.
Actions dictated by Delhi , not personal motives.
Concerns raised about minority representation.
Deputy CM emphasizes party unity despite media speculation.
Community leaders express discontent over party decisions.
Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and President of the State Congress, D.K. Shivakumar, remarked on Friday that the decision to suspend two minority leaders from his party for anti-party actions was devoid of personal motives, emphasizing that such actions cannot occur without directives from Delhi.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated, “This action against the minority leaders is not personal. The party has its own investigations. When it comes to taking action against a sitting MLA or MLC, it cannot be executed at our level without guidance from Delhi.”
“We must follow the party's directives. They may criticize me, but I remain unfazed by such claims. Adherence to party discipline is essential,” he added.
When questioned if this situation could send a negative message to the minority community, he responded, “The Congress party is committed to delivering justice to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, farmers, OBCs, and minorities.”
Addressing rumors about discord between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said, “You (the media) must be mistaken. We engage in discussions every day. You speak of my camp—where is it? Has anyone placed a nameplate indicating they belong to the Siddaramaiah camp? All 139 MLAs are mine, and they are Siddaramaiah’s as well. There are no factions between us.”
“The media continues to discuss the Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah factions. Do you genuinely know which MLA is in which group? There are no divisions within the party. All 139 MLAs are part of one collective—the Congress collective.”
It is noteworthy that in a significant move, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee suspended Member of the Legislative Council Abdul Jabbar from the party's primary membership on Wednesday due to his involvement in anti-party activities.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar signed the suspension order, which stated: “Abdul Jabbar, Member of the Legislative Council, is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress effective immediately due to his anti-party actions during the recent by-elections in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.”
Abdul Jabbar was leading the state party’s Minority Wing and had previously been requested to resign from his position. Following his resignation, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar disbanded the Minority Wing. Jabbar had also expressed interest in contesting for the Davanagere South Assembly seat as the Congress candidate.
Additionally, Congress Member of the Legislative Council Naseer Ahmad was relieved of his role as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Political Advisor on April 14 for similar reasons.
Leaders from the Muslim community expressed their discontent on Thursday, opposing the actions taken against MLCs Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmad due to alleged anti-party activities during the by-elections. They accused the party of bias and cautioned the ruling Congress leaders of possible repercussions.
Point of View
The suspension of minority leaders from the Karnataka Congress highlights the ongoing tensions within the party and raises questions about leadership directives from the national level. The Deputy CM's insistence on adherence to party discipline reflects a critical moment for the Congress party's cohesion and its approach to minority representation.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the minority leaders suspended?
The minority leaders were suspended for engaging in anti-party activities during recent elections, as stated by Deputy CM Shivakumar.
Did Deputy CM Shivakumar take this action personally?
No, Shivakumar emphasized that the action taken against the leaders was not personal and was directed by the party's higher authorities in Delhi.
What was the reaction of the minority community?
Leaders from the Muslim community expressed outrage over the suspensions, alleging bias and warning of potential consequences for the Congress leadership.
Is there a factional divide within the Karnataka Congress?
Deputy CM Shivakumar denied any existence of factions within the party, asserting that all MLAs are united under the Congress banner.
Who else was relieved from their position recently?
Naseer Ahmad, another Congress MLC, was also relieved of his role as political advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for similar reasons.
