Karnataka Congress Faces Internal Strife After Davanagere South Bypoll; Abdul Jabbar Resigns

The Indian National Congress in Karnataka is grappling with fresh internal tensions following the conclusion of polling in the Davanagere South by-election, as senior party leader Abdul Jabbar stepped down from his position.

Jabbar, who served as Chairman of the KPCC Minority Department, cited dissatisfaction among minority leaders and alleged marginalisation of certain sections within the party as key reasons behind his resignation.

Resignation Letter Highlights Discontent

In his resignation letter addressed to KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Jabbar said recent political developments during the bypoll compelled him to take the decision.

“After careful consideration and with a heavy sense of sadness, I am formally resigning from the position of Chairman, KPCC Minority Department. Developments in Davanagere and across Karnataka during the by-elections have forced me to take this step,” he stated.

He further noted that several developments during the campaign had left minority leaders and party workers deeply disappointed.

Allegations of Exclusion

Jabbar alleged that crucial decisions during the bypoll were taken without adequate consultation with the Minority Department leadership.

“There was no direct effort from party leaders to seek inputs from the Minority Department. Office bearers are distressed and disappointed by recent events, and I share their concerns,” he said.

Reports of Internal Discord

The resignation comes amid reports that the party high command had received adverse feedback regarding Jabbar and Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, particularly concerning their roles during the bypoll campaign. Allegations have also surfaced that some supporters may have worked against the party’s interests in Davanagere South.

The development follows public remarks by senior Congress leaders, including MLA Rizwan Arshad and MLC Salim Ahmed, who acknowledged internal disagreements over candidate selection and campaign management.

Speaking to reporters, Salim Ahmed claimed that factional divisions had affected the party’s functioning. He alleged that certain senior leaders had conspired against the party’s electoral prospects, although he maintained that minority voters largely backed the Congress candidate.

Candidate Selection at the Centre of Tensions

The internal discord is believed to have stemmed from disagreements over candidate selection for the Davanagere South by-election, which was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

Several minority leaders had reportedly supported Abdul Jabbar’s candidature. However, feedback from grassroots workers and consultations within the leadership ultimately led to the selection of another nominee.

Concerns Over Organisational Unity

Political observers suggest that the resignation, coupled with allegations of internal sabotage, has brought underlying factional tensions within the Karnataka Congress to the forefront. The developments raise concerns about organisational cohesion at a time when the party is awaiting the outcome of the recently concluded bypoll.