Karnataka BJP president election soon: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan

Vartha Bharati | 18-01-2025 | 20:09:00 IST

Bengaluru: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Saturday said the Karnataka state BJP president election would soon be held.

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Shivakumar stresses party discipline amid Davanagere South bypoll row

14-04-2026 ¦ 14-04-2026 IST

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar (PTI)

Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday underlined the importance of party discipline amid the fallout of the Davanagere South bypoll controversy, even as action against certain leaders triggered fresh ripples within the ruling Congress.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said decisions regarding the party candidate and subsequent developments were taken after consultations with leaders and based on reports submitted from the ground, which were then acted upon by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar’s remarks come against the backdrop of the removal of Siddaramaiah’s political secretary, Naseer Ahmed, who was "relieved with immediate effect" following allegations that he worked against the party’s candidate in the Davanagere South Assembly bypoll.

Held on April 9, the election was necessitated by the death of veteran MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, with the Congress fielding his grandson, Samarth Shamanur.

"If there is no discipline in any party, nothing can function," Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, said.

"We decided on the candidate after taking everyone into confidence. Every day we were in touch with various leaders. They all submitted reports, and based on that, the CM has taken the decision (on choosing Samarth Shamanur as the Congress candidate for the Davanagere South Assembly segment bypolls)," he said.

He noted that some Congress leaders had stepped down amid the developments.

"By the time we took a decision, they themselves had given their resignation, and it has been accepted," he said, referring to recent exits, including that of MLC Abdul Jabbar.

On his interaction with MLAs aspiring for ministerial positions, Shivakumar said there was nothing wrong with internal discussions but stressed restraint.

"There is nothing wrong with holding meetings or asking for posts; please do. But one must maintain strict discipline. That is my humble request," he said.

He pointed out that he had advised party members to remain cautious in their public conduct.

Asked about the specific allegations against certain leaders, he said he was awaiting further clarity.

"We, too, had received some reports. Another report has to come on what exactly happened (in Davanagere South); I am waiting for it," he said.

On whether any report had been submitted against Housing and Minority Welfare Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, Shivakumar said, "I have no information."

Khan was among those who had demanded that a Muslim candidate be given the ticket in Davanagere South, as the constituency has a substantial Muslim population.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah summoned him on Tuesday. The outcome of the meeting remains unknown.

Tensions had surfaced within the party over the candidate selection, with sections of minority leaders expressing dissatisfaction and demanding representation.

Although a rebel candidate later withdrew his nomination following intervention by the leadership, discontent reportedly persisted, with some leaders staying away from campaign activities.