NATIONAL: Karnataka’s Power Tussle Erupts in Delhi Clash
A heated altercation at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi between aides of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has intensified speculation about leadership tensions within the Karnataka Congress. The incident, involving allegations of physical assault and deleted CCTV footage, underscores deeper factional rifts. This report examines the July 22, 2025, confrontation and its political ramifications.
Incident at Karnataka Bhavan
H Anjaneya, Special Duty Officer (SDO) to Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, alleged that C Mohan Kumar, Assistant Resident Commissioner and SDO to CM Siddaramaiah, assaulted him with a shoe in Karnataka Bhavan’s administrative offices. The dispute, witnessed by staff including a female employee named Prameela, escalated from a verbal spat to serious accusations.
Formal Complaints Lodged
Anjaneya filed a complaint with Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, demanding a criminal inquiry into Kumar’s actions, citing damage to his dignity and safety concerns. Kumar countered, alleging Anjaneya’s unprofessional conduct and prior complaints from female staff about his behavior.
Allegations of Past Misconduct
Anjaneya’s complaint references Kumar’s alleged history of aggression, including an incident involving another official, MM Joshi, and claims Kumar’s ego as CM’s aide fuels his behavior. Kumar, however, denied physical assault, stating he only confronted Anjaneya over inappropriate remarks.
Missing CCTV Footage
Complicating the investigation, CCTV footage of the incident was reportedly deleted by outsourcing staff, raising questions about transparency. The absence of video evidence has hindered efforts to verify the conflicting accounts, prompting calls for a thorough probe.
Leadership Tensions Amplified
The clash coincides with ongoing speculation about a potential change in Karnataka’s Chief Ministership, with Siddaramaiah asserting a full five-year term and Shivakumar facing pressure to step back. The Karnataka BJP, led by R Ashoka, has seized on the incident to highlight perceived governance failures.
Official Responses
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, when questioned, stated he was unaware of the specifics but promised to review the matter. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has directed Resident Commissioner Jamir to submit a detailed report, signaling an official inquiry into the altercation.
Political Implications
The public dispute has reignited debates over the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar power struggle, with the BJP framing it as evidence of Congress’s internal disarray. Analysts suggest the incident reflects deeper factional loyalties, potentially undermining party unity ahead of future elections.
Calls for Accountability
Anjaneya has demanded a departmental inquiry into Kumar’s conduct, including his promotions and alleged obstruction of duties. Female staff have also reportedly approached the Women’s Commission, citing Anjaneya’s behavior, further complicating the narrative.
Broader Context
The incident follows months of reported tensions, with Shivakumar’s ambitions for the CM post clashing with Siddaramaiah’s firm grip on leadership. Despite Congress’s attempts to mediate, the public nature of this clash risks damaging the party’s image in Karnataka.