Congress Leadership Asserts Party Unity in Karnataka Bypoll Campaign
In a strong display of political messaging, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar on Tuesday downplayed the absence of Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan from the bypoll campaign trail. Speaking in Davanagere, Shivakumar emphasized that the Congress party operates on a foundation of ideology and collective effort, rather than relying on individual personalities.
Shivakumar's Firm Stance on Party Cohesion
"The party does not run on DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, or Zameer Ahmed Khan alone. We have been working collectively and consistently for all elections," declared Shivakumar during his first campaign visit to Davanagere since the bypolls were announced. He was accompanied by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, highlighting the national party's involvement in the state-level contest.
Shivakumar's remarks come amid reports that Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan is displeased over comments made by cabinet colleague SS Mallikarjun, who is the father of Congress's Davanagere South candidate, Samarth. Sources indicate that during ticket distribution discussions, Mallikarjun objected to Zameer's advocacy for a Muslim candidate, questioned his role in the process, and suggested he limit his activities to Bengaluru. Mallikarjun is also said to have advised Zameer to stay away from the campaigning efforts altogether.
Zameer Ahmed Khan is widely regarded as a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In a separate campaign event in Bagalkot, Siddaramaiah addressed the situation, assuring supporters that "Zameer will join the campaign soon," signaling an attempt to smooth over internal tensions.
Congress's Outreach and Minority Representation Defended
Shifting focus to the party's broader strategy, Shivakumar highlighted the Congress's inclusive outreach. "The Congress party is taking all communities and sections along," he stated. He pointed to the legacy of late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, former national president of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, noting his significant contributions to the Davanagere constituency. Shivakumar mentioned conducting a local survey that revealed public appreciation for Shivashankarappa's assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and his work in the education sector.
Addressing criticism from the opposition, Shivakumar countered allegations from the BJP. "The BJP labels our contributions as minorities appeasement and calls us a Muslim party. Protecting minorities is our constitutional responsibility," he asserted. To illustrate this commitment, he cited examples such as providing a legislative council position to K Abdul Jabbar from the region, ensuring Muslim representation in the Shiggaon assembly seat, and allocating sixteen corporation board chairperson posts to minorities.
BJP's Strong Counterattack and Corruption Allegations
On the opposing side, BJP patriarch BS Yediyurappa launched a sharp critique of the Congress government during his campaign in Bagalkot. He accused the ruling party of misusing its "brutal majority" and warned that a victory in the bypolls would embolden them further, potentially worsening corruption.
"Corruption is rampant under this administration, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shows no concern for the welfare of the people. His government resembles a 'Tughlaq Darbar'," Yediyurappa alleged, invoking historical imagery to criticize governance. He made a heartfelt appeal to voters, saying, "I appeal with folded hands to the electorate of both segments to teach Congress a lesson by ensuring BJP candidates win."
When asked about expelled BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal's offer to campaign, Yediyurappa responded pragmatically, "Let anyone come; there are opportunities. I welcome it." He also claimed that Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues are extensively camping in the constituencies out of fear, stating, "They are worried about defeat."
Siddaramaiah's Rebuttal and Defense of Party Traditions
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's assertions of fear as a reflection of the opposition's own anxieties. He defended the Congress's practice of awarding tickets to family members of deceased legislators, explaining that it is a longstanding party tradition aimed at honoring legacies and maintaining continuity.
The bypoll campaigns in Davanagere and Bagalkot have thus intensified, with both major parties leveraging ideological narratives, allegations of corruption, and internal dynamics to sway voters in these crucial segments.
