Infighting Erupts in Karnataka Congress: Minority Leaders Allege ‘Internal Sabotage’ in Davanagere South Bypoll

Bengaluru, April 11, 2026: While the dust begins to settle on the Davanagere South bypoll, the political heat within the Congress party is only rising. Senior minority leaders have come forward with explosive allegations of a “major conspiracy” orchestrated by party insiders to undermine the official candidate and damage the party’s standing with the minority community.

The Allegations: “Congress vs Congress”

During a joint press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office on Friday, MLC Saleem Ahmed and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad did not mince words. They alleged that while the party was fighting the BJP and SDPI on the ground, a “shadow war” was being waged from within.

The leaders claimed that certain party insiders deliberately projected an image that the Congress had “betrayed” the minority community by denying a ticket to a Muslim candidate. This narrative, they argue, was used to sabotage the prospects of the official candidate, Samarth Mallikarjun (grandson of the veteran late Shamanur Shivashankarappa).

Social Media Warfare and Campaign Gaps

“We are saddened by the involvement of senior Congress leaders in damaging the party,” stated Saleem Ahmed. He highlighted a massive social media campaign—allegedly fueled by a mix of BJP, SDPI, and disgruntled Independents—that focused on the theme of “minority betrayal.”

The internal rift became more apparent when Rizwan Arshad listed the leaders who actively campaigned for Samarth, including NA Harris, Tanveer Sait, and Kaneez Fathima, while notably omitting the name of Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan. Although Zameer had been tasked with election responsibilities in Kerala, his limited presence in the Davanagere campaign has become a point of internal discussion.

Strategic Missteps Admitted

Reflecting on the candidate selection process, Rizwan Arshad admitted to a strategic error by the minority wing.

“It is true we asked for a ticket and proposed MLC Abdul Jabbar’s name. However, some felt he lacked the necessary popularity. In hindsight, we should have proposed 3 to 4 names or allowed SS Mallikarjun to pick a candidate from the community. It was our mistake,” Arshad conceded.

The Rebel Factor

Despite efforts by Ahmed and Arshad to quell the rebellion, the bypoll saw a crowded field. While they successfully persuaded rebel candidate Sadiq Pailwan to withdraw, 13 other Muslim candidates—including SDPI’s Afsar Kodlipete and expelled Congress leader H. Suban Sab—remained in the fray, potentially splitting the crucial minority vote bank.

What Lies Ahead?

When pressed to name the “insider” behind the alleged sabotage, the leaders remained tight-lipped, stating that the party high command is already aware of the details.

Despite the internal friction, Saleem Ahmed expressed confidence in a victory. “Our internal surveys predict a win in both seats. The results will prove that all communities, including minorities, have stood by the Congress,” he added.

As the party awaits the results, the focus now shifts to whether the KPCC leadership will take disciplinary action against those accused of “sabotaging” the campaign from within.