Daijiworld Media Network
Ballari, Feb 26: Amid growing infighting within the Karnataka Congress, State Minister for Housing and Waqf, B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, has sparked controversy with a bold statement, claiming that anyone who dares to challenge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be “reduced to ashes.”
The remark comes at a time when internal discussions about power-sharing and the potential replacement of the state Congress president have intensified. Sources suggest that Zameer's statement is directed at Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, given that Zameer is known to be a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to reporters in Ballari on Wednesday, Minister Zameer said, “CM Siddaramaiah is like fire. If anyone dares to touch him, they will be reduced to ashes.”
The statement was made in response to questions regarding the ongoing power struggle within the Congress party. Zameer, however, later sought to clarify that there is no vacancy for the positions of CM or state party president. He emphasised that the leadership roles were firmly in place.
“D.K. Shivakumar is the KPCC President, and Siddaramaiah is the CM. No position is vacant, and there is no need for further discussion,” Zameer reiterated.
He further insisted, “Can anyone even think of touching CM Siddaramaiah? He is like fire. If anyone tries, they will be burnt. We fondly call him ‘Tagaru’ (Ram, male sheep), and no one can challenge the fire.” The nickname ‘Tagaru’ is an affectionate term used by Siddaramaiah’s supporters from the shepherd community, reflecting both love and respect for the Chief Minister.
Zameer also stressed that the Congress party is governed by its high command. He added that any changes in leadership would be decided by the high command, and for now, there were no indications that such a decision would be made. “As of now, no decision has been made about replacing CM Siddaramaiah,” he said, reiterating that no party leader had called for a change in leadership.
Acknowledging the aspirations of various communities, including Lingayats, Dalits, minorities, and SC/ST groups, to see a leader from their respective communities take up the role of CM, Zameer stated that the final decision lies with the party’s high command.
The Karnataka Congress is currently embroiled in a bitter power struggle, with a faction of ministers advocating for a change in leadership, particularly calling for the removal of D.K. Shivakumar as the state Congress president. These ministers, who are closely aligned with CM Siddaramaiah and hail from oppressed communities, have travelled to Delhi to voice their concerns to the high command.
Ministers G. Parameshwara, K.N. Rajanna, and Satish Jarkiholi have individually sought the high command’s intervention, urging the appointment of a new state Congress president. Reports indicate their frustration at being denied permission to hold meetings with MLAs and MLCs from their communities.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar has also travelled to Delhi, where, according to sources, he has strongly advocated for retaining his position as state party president and discussed power-sharing arrangements. With tensions escalating within the party, all eyes are now on the Congress high command’s next move.