Bengaluru: Congress Wednesday suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar, who quit as chairman of the minority department three days ago, from the party’s primary membership for anti-party activities linked to the Davanagere South assembly bypoll, triggering unease among minority leaders.The action comes days after Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar dissolved minority-welfare committees formed by Jabbar. The move followed complaints of an alleged conspiracy to defeat the party’s official candidate in the April 9 bypoll.Jabbar, who had sought Congress ticket from Davanagere South, was overlooked. Instead, ticket was given to Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The bypoll was necessitated by Shivashankarappa’s death.On Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah sacked his political secretary Naseer Ahmed, also an MLC after he did not heed his directive to resign.Sources said Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed were largely absent from campaigning, with reports alleging they may have indirectly aided the SDPI candidate. The disciplinary steps were based on inputs from AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala, and observer Abhishek Dutta.Attention has now shifted to housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, who had pitched for a Muslim candidate and stayed away from campaigning, citing commitments in Kerala. He later campaigned for Samarth on the final day.Following action against Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed, Khan’s supporters Wednesday questioned the leadership’s decisions and warned of protests if any move is made against the minister. They expressed dissatisfaction over the party not fielding a Muslim candidate in the bypoll.Party insiders indicated decision on Khan may be deferred until the May 4 results. The leaders are expected to assess likely impact before acting on the minister.++++QUOTE “DK Shivakumar must explain my mistake and how I violated discipline to warrant suspension. I resigned as KPCC minority wing president as I was not taken into confidence by him and other party leaders. I only said the ticket should go to a Muslim or any other community but not to the Shamanur family. Why, then, was no action taken against late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who had openly sought votes for BS Yediyurappa’s son in the past?Abdul Jabbar | MLC
