Karnataka Congress Turmoil Deepens as Siddaramaiah’s Political Secretary Removed Over Alleged Anti-Party Activity

In a significant political development that has further exposed internal fissures within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political secretary, Naseer Ahmed, has been removed from his position over allegations of supporting a rival candidate and working against the party during the Davanagere South bypoll.

According to sources, Ahmed was initially asked to step down voluntarily but remained defiant for nearly two days, prompting the party leadership to formally remove him from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The move is being widely viewed as a setback for Siddaramaiah, raising concerns about his grip over administrative functioning and political coordination within his inner circle.

Mounting Instability Within the CMO

Ahmed’s removal marks yet another high-profile exit from the Chief Minister’s core team. Over the past ten months, the CMO has witnessed the departure of two political secretaries and three senior bureaucrats, fuelling speculation about instability within the administration.

A close political associate of Siddaramaiah, Ahmed’s exit assumes added significance amid intensifying factional tensions, particularly in the aftermath of the Davanagere bypoll campaign.

Earlier, in June last year, another political secretary, Govindaraju, was removed following the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident, which triggered a broader administrative reshuffle. In connection with the same episode, Intelligence Chief Hemanth Nimbalkar—who reported directly to the Chief Minister—was transferred, along with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.

Additionally, senior IAS officer Ateeq had earlier resigned citing personal reasons, a development that had sparked speculation about internal pressures within the administration.

Allegations of Anti-Party Activity

The action against Ahmed stems from allegations that he failed to actively campaign for the Congress candidate in the Davanagere South bypoll and instead supported a candidate backed by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The episode has brought internal dissent within the party’s minority leadership into sharp focus.

The controversy follows the resignation of Abdul Jabbar, who had earlier flagged dissatisfaction among minority leaders during the bypoll campaign, highlighting growing discontent within key sections of the party.

Political observers suggest that Ahmed’s removal is intended as a strong signal from the Congress leadership against anti-party activities, particularly at a time when electoral outcomes remain closely contested.

Zameer Ahmed Khan Responds Amid Scrutiny

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who has also faced criticism over alleged anti-party actions during the bypoll, sought to distance himself from the controversy. After meeting the Chief Minister, he denied any role in the developments leading to Ahmed’s removal.

“I was not present when Abdul Jabbar resigned, and I am unaware of the reasons behind the decision regarding Naseer Ahmed,” Khan stated.

He acknowledged that sections of the minority community had expressed dissatisfaction during the campaign but maintained that the concerns had since been addressed. Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he asserted that the Congress would secure a decisive victory in Davanagere.

Addressing criticism over his role in internal deliberations, Khan clarified that he had openly expressed his views within party forums, advocating for broader consideration in ticket allocation.

Political Fallout Likely to Escalate

The removal of Naseer Ahmed is expected to intensify the ongoing political crisis within the Karnataka Congress, particularly as factional divisions among minority leaders come to the forefront.

With a series of resignations, allegations of internal sabotage, and leadership tensions unfolding in rapid succession, the developments have raised fresh concerns about organisational cohesion within the ruling party at a politically sensitive juncture.