‘Touch Siddaramaiah, Turn to Ashes’: Karnataka Minister Amid Congress Power Struggle

Bengaluru- Amid the ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, State Minister for Housing and Waqf B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan made a controversial remark, warning that anyone who dares to challenge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be “reduced to ashes.”

His statement comes at a time when discussions about power-sharing and the potential replacement of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president are gaining momentum. Party insiders suggest that the remark is directed at Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar, as Minister Zameer is known to be a close confidant of CM Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to reporters in Ballari on Wednesday, Minister Zameer asserted, “CM Siddaramaiah is like fire. If anyone dares to touch him, they will be reduced to ashes.” When asked about the power struggle within the Congress, he dismissed speculation about leadership changes, stating, “D.K. Shivakumar is the KPCC President, and Siddaramaiah is the CM. No position is vacant, and there is no need for discussion.”

Zameer further emphasized Siddaramaiah’s political strength, adding, “Can anyone even think of challenging 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.” Siddaramaiah, who belongs to the shepherd community, is often referred to as Tagaru by his supporters as a mark of respect.

The Karnataka Congress has been witnessing a growing divide, with a section of ministers lobbying for the removal of D.K. Shivakumar as state party chief. Many of these leaders, including ministers G. Parameshwara, K.N. Rajanna, and Satish Jarkiholi, have reportedly visited Delhi to urge the party high command to appoint a new KPCC president. Their discontent stems from alleged restrictions on organizing meetings with MLAs and MLCs from their respective communities.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has also met Congress leaders in Delhi, making a strong case for retaining his position. Sources indicate that the Dy CM has reiterated his demand for a power-sharing arrangement, ensuring that he takes over as CM in the latter half of the government’s tenure.

With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on the Congress high command’s next move, which could determine the party’s future course in Karnataka.