Dismissal of Naseer Ahmad: A Shift in Karnataka Congress Amid Bypoll Controversy
Synopsis
In a significant political shake-up, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmad, has been dismissed for alleged sabotage during the Davanagere South bye-election. This move raises questions about party unity and strategy as the Congress navigates complex electoral dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Naseer Ahmad removed from his role as Political Secretary.
Allegations of undermining Samarth Shamanur in bye-election.
Congress leadership calls for accountability among its ranks.
Potential fallout on party unity and strategy.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's dissatisfaction with recent events.
Bengaluru, April 14 (NationPress) The Political Secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Naseer Ahmad, has been dismissed from his role as of Tuesday due to allegations of undermining Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur during the recently completed Davanagere South bye-election.
It is important to highlight that Naseer Ahmad, a Congress Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), is considered a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The state government issued a formal notice on Tuesday morning regarding this decision.
The order was released by B. Abhijin, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). The document specifies that Naseer Ahmad has been relieved of his duties as Political Secretary to the Chief Minister effective immediately, and the previous appointment order has been annulled.
Congress insiders revealed that Naseer Ahmad was given a deadline by Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC General Secretary and State In-Charge, to tender his resignation by Monday evening. After he failed to comply, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was instructed to remove him from the cabinet-rank position.
Naseer Ahmad faces allegations of conspiring to incite Muslim voters against the Congress candidate in the Davanagere South Assembly segment.
Previously, the party had requested the resignation of K. Abdul Jabbar, the State Minority Department President. State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accepted his resignation and disbanded the committees under his leadership.
Both Naseer Ahmad and Jabbar are accused of not effectively campaigning for Congress candidate Samarth Malikarjun during the bye-election. They are further alleged to have incited Muslim voters, a significant demographic in the constituency, to vote against the party candidate to exert pressure on the party to nominate a Muslim candidate in the 2028 Assembly elections.
AICC representatives overseeing the election campaign in Karnataka have submitted a report to the national leadership, which has taken these developments seriously and recommended stringent measures against the implicated leaders.
According to party sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is displeased with these events, as both Ahmad and Jabbar are seen as part of his faction. The report also highlighted issues concerning B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Minister for Waqf and Housing, regarding his absence from the campaign and alleged attempts to sway local Muslim leaders against the Congress candidate.
Insiders indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a meeting with Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to address these concerns.
Additionally, sources suggest that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is working to elevate Bengaluru MLA Rizwan Arshad and senior leader MLC Saleem Ahmad.
Point of View
The dismissal of Naseer Ahmad raises critical questions about the internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress. The party must address these fractures to maintain unity and strategize effectively for upcoming elections. The leadership's response to these controversies will be pivotal in shaping its future.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Naseer Ahmad removed from his position?
Naseer Ahmad was removed for allegedly working against Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur during the recent Davanagere South bye-election.
Who issued the order for Ahmad's removal?
The order for Naseer Ahmad's removal was issued by B. Abhijin, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
What allegations are against Naseer Ahmad?
He is accused of conspiring to incite Muslim voters against the Congress candidate in the bye-election.
What other actions were taken by the Congress party?
The Congress party also sought the resignation of K. Abdul Jabbar, the State Minority Department President, due to similar issues.
How are the party leaders responding to these developments?
AICC representatives have reported the situation to the national leadership, which has recommended stern actions against the involved leaders.
