Bengaluru, April 15 Karnataka Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge on Wednesday defended the party’s decision to expel Congress Member of the Legislative Council Abdul Jabbar, stating that the action was taken in the larger interest of both the party and the government.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge said that no individual is above the party and that all members are expected to abide by its decisions. He stated, “Whatever decision the party has taken is final, whether it is related to candidates or expenses. Everyone has to follow the party line.”
He clarified that the decision was not taken in a high-handed manner, but after due consultation within the party. Referring to the Davanagere ticket, he said it is the responsibility of every Congress worker to adhere to party directives once a decision is announced.
Kharge noted that the reasons for the action, including funding issues, had been clearly explained within the party. He also dismissed media speculation, stating that action is based only on information formally presented to the party high command.
“The high command will take a call if any further action is required. If more heads need to roll, they will decide accordingly,” he added.
It can be recalled that, in a major development, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee suspended Member of the Legislative Council Abdul Jabbar from the primary membership of the party on Wednesday morning for engaging in anti-party activities.
Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar signed the suspension order.
The letter stated: “Abdul Jabbar, Member of the Legislative Council, is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress with immediate effect, in view of his anti-party activities during the recent by-election in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.”
Abdul Jabbar was heading the state party’s Minority Wing and had earlier been asked to resign from the post. After accepting his resignation, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar dissolved the Minority Wing. Abdul Jabbar was also aspiring to contest from the Davanagere South Assembly seat as the Congress candidate.
It may be noted that Congress Member of the Legislative Council Naseer Ahmad was also relieved of his position as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Political Advisor on April 14 for similar reasons.
The development is likely to escalate the leadership tussle within the party between the camps of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
--IANS
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