Congress Faces Delicate Internal Situation Ahead of Karnataka Bypolls
The ruling Congress party in Karnataka is navigating a politically sensitive situation as crucial bypolls approach in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot constituencies. A potential victory in these elections could significantly intensify existing factional tensions within the party, particularly between supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and those aligned with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Campaign Dynamics and Credit Claims
Supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who are leading the campaign efforts, are positioned to claim substantial credit if the Congress party secures victories. This scenario could potentially trigger demands for organizational changes within the state party structure. The Siddaramaiah camp is reportedly expected to back Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi for the state president position, a role currently held by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Satish Jarkiholi, who is managing the campaign in Bagalkot, has been actively seeking a more prominent role within the party hierarchy. His political standing was notably enhanced last year when he was credited with securing the Shiggaon seat from the BJP in a bypoll. This seat was previously represented by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, making the victory particularly significant.
Emerging Leaders and Ministerial Aspirations
In Davanagere South, party functionaries Saleem Ahmed and Rizwan Arshad have taken prominent roles in the campaign. Their active participation positions them as potential claimants for ministerial positions should the Congress emerge victorious. Political observers note they are being viewed as possible replacements for Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan and Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.
The campaign landscape has been further shaped by notable absences. Besides Zameer Ahmed Khan, Siddaramaiah's political secretary Naseer Ahmed and MLC K Jabbar Khan have remained distant from active campaigning. This distance follows the party's decision to deny a ticket to a Muslim candidate. Their absence has inadvertently created opportunities for Saleem Ahmed and Rizwan Arshad to strengthen their political positions within the constituency.
HB Manjappa, president of the Davanagere district unit, commented on the situation, stating, "In a political set-up, the leadership rewards those who work hard and punishes anti-party activities. We hope those who are staying away from the campaign will join when electioneering peaks."
Broader Implications and Cabinet Reshuffle Demands
The bypolls have revived longstanding demands for a cabinet reshuffle within the Karnataka government. First-time MLAs have formally written to the party's high command seeking changes, while their representatives are planning to visit New Delhi after campaigning concludes on April 7. Senior MLAs have also held separate meetings with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to press their demands for ministerial adjustments.
Saleem Ahmed attempted to downplay the internal discussions, emphasizing, "Our focus is to win the bypolls, nothing else. If we do, it will be a collective achievement."
Shivakumar Camp's Strategic Positioning
Meanwhile, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are expected to renew their push for leadership changes following the bypoll results. There is anticipation within this camp that the party high command may summon both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to New Delhi after results are declared on May 4.
Kunigal MLA HD Ranganath articulated the Shivakumar camp's perspective, stating, "Credit for victory in the bypoll will obviously go to Shivakumar as he is the party president. He is at the forefront of campaigning and his contribution cannot be denied."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing voters at a rally, made a direct appeal, telling them, "You are not voting for Congress candidates, but for me. The victory will strengthen me further." This statement underscores the personal stakes involved in these bypolls for both major faction leaders within the Karnataka Congress.
