Shivakumar Defends Action Against Minority Leaders, Denies Rift Within Karnataka Congress

Bengaluru, April 2026 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D. K. Shivakumar on Friday clarified that disciplinary action taken against two minority leaders of the party was not personal but carried out strictly in accordance with directions from the central leadership.

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar emphasized that decisions of such magnitude—especially involving sitting legislators—are not taken at the state level alone. “There is nothing personal in the action against minority leaders. The party has its own internal report. When action is taken against an MLA or MLC, it cannot happen without guidance from Delhi,” he said.

He reiterated that the Congress operates under a structured system of discipline and accountability. “We act based on instructions from the high command. People may blame me, but that does not concern me. My responsibility is to uphold party discipline,” he added.

Responding to concerns that the move could send a negative message to minority communities, Shivakumar firmly rejected the notion. He stated that the Congress has always stood for the welfare and justice of marginalized sections, including minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, farmers, and Other Backward Classes. “The Congress party exists to ensure justice for all sections of society, including minorities,” he said.

Shivakumar also dismissed speculation of internal rifts within the state leadership, particularly reports suggesting differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Refuting such claims, he said, “We are in constant communication and discuss matters daily. The idea of camps within the party is baseless.”

Taking a swipe at media narratives, he questioned the basis of such claims. “You talk about Shivakumar camp and Siddaramaiah camp—where are these camps? Has anyone labeled themselves as belonging to one group or the other? All 139 MLAs belong to the Congress party. There is only one group,” he asserted, emphasizing unity within the party ranks.

The remarks come in the backdrop of recent disciplinary action by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. Member of the Legislative Council Abdul Jabbar was suspended from the party’s primary membership for alleged anti-party activities during the recent by-election in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency. The suspension order, signed by Shivakumar, cited violations of party discipline during the polls.

Jabbar, who previously headed the party’s Minority Wing, had been asked to step down from his position. Following his resignation, the Minority Wing was dissolved. He was also reportedly aspiring to contest the bypoll as a Congress candidate.

In a related development, another MLC, Naseer Ahmad, was removed from his role as Political Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 14, also for alleged anti-party conduct.

The actions have sparked reactions from sections of the Muslim community, with some leaders expressing displeasure and alleging bias. They have warned of potential political repercussions if their concerns are not addressed.

Despite the criticism, Shivakumar maintained that the party’s decisions were guided by principles of discipline and collective responsibility, asserting that maintaining unity and adherence to party norms remains paramount.