Congress rift deepens as Surjewala complains against leaders over Davanagere campaign

Davanagere : Internal tensions within the Congress party have come to the fore following the Davanagere South by-election, with senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala reportedly filing a formal complaint with the Congress Highcommand against three party leaders, including Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.

According to party sources, Surjewala has submitted a detailed two-page report alleging that Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Legislative Council member Abdul Jabbar, and Naseer Ahmed failed to actively campaign for the official Congress candidate in the by-election. The report has reportedly urged the high command to initiate disciplinary action against the trio for their lack of participation during a crucial electoral contest.

The controversy stems from the Congress party’s decision to field Samarth Shamanur, grandson of veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa and son of Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, as its candidate for the Davanagere South constituency. The ticket allocation had triggered discontent among certain minority leaders within the party, who had been demanding that the seat be allotted to a minority candidate.

Zameer Ahmed Khan was among those who had openly pushed for a minority representation in the constituency. His stance is believed to have created friction within the party ranks, especially with leaders backing the eventual candidate. Reports suggest that Minister Mallikarjun had also made certain remarks during the internal discussions, which further fueled dissatisfaction among minority leaders.

Amid this backdrop, speculation grew over whether Zameer Ahmed Khan would participate in the campaign. Though he eventually visited Davanagere and met party leaders, his presence was brief and largely symbolic. He attended a press interaction at Mallikarjun’s residence, expressed confidence in Samarth Shamanur’s victory, and left shortly thereafter, citing prior commitments, including his role as a star campaigner in Kerala elections.

Surjewala’s complaint is said to highlight this limited involvement as inadequate and detrimental to the party’s electoral prospects. The move signals growing concern within the Congress leadership over internal unity and discipline, particularly during elections.

Party insiders indicate that the high command is taking the matter seriously, as factionalism and lack of coordination could impact the party’s performance in upcoming elections. While no official action has been announced yet, the development underscores the challenges faced by the Congress in maintaining cohesion among its leaders.

The episode has once again exposed underlying divisions within the party, raising questions about leadership coordination and the handling of ticket distribution in politically sensitive constituencies.