The Congress party’s decision to field Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa and son of Horticulture Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, for the April 9 Davangere South bypoll has sparked a sharp internal row, with Muslim leaders and workers protesting what they describe as “step-motherly treatment” towards the minority community.

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who was in Bengaluru over the weekend to finalise candidates alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, delivered strong remarks during closed-door meetings:

“Muslim or not, for Congress, it doesn’t matter. The party does not belong to any single community and cannot be blackmailed.”

The comments came after intense lobbying by senior Muslim Congress leaders, including Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, MLC Abdul Jabbar, and others, who demanded a candidate from the community citing its significant voter base, nearly 30–40% of the electorate, or around 60,000–85,000 votes in the constituency.

They had warned of rebellion, mass resignations, or even supporting independent or rival candidates if their demand was ignored.

Instead, the high command prioritised dynastic continuity and winnability, backing the Shamanur family’s claim on the seat.

Samarth Mallikarjun had already filed his nomination papers on March 20, even before the official announcement, which was made on March 22.

A parallel ticket was announced for Bagalkot, where Umesh Meti, son of the late MLA H.Y. Meti, was chosen.

The decision triggered immediate protests in Davangere on Sunday.

A group of Muslim Congress workers and youngsters gathered at Akthar Raza Circle, waving black flags and raising slogans against Surjewala, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar.

Demonstrators accused the leadership of betrayal, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan, and vowed to “teach a lesson” in the bypoll.

Local leaders have termed the remarks “insensitive” and demanded an apology, while some have floated the idea of fielding an independent Muslim candidate.

On social media and regional platforms, videos and posts have gone viral with captions directly referencing Surjewala’s “cannot be blackmailed” comment.

Surjewala, however, sought to project unity in public statements, emphasising:

“Every single worker, every single Congress leader has the right to express their aspirations, then we will decide as a family and work unitedly.”

Party sources say the high command is now in damage-control mode.

Promises of alternative representation for minorities, including nominations to legislative council seats and key board positions, are being discussed to pacify disgruntled sections ahead of the bypoll.

The Davangere South and Bagalkot bypolls were necessitated by the deaths of veteran Congress MLAs Shamanur Shivashankarappa and H.Y. Meti earlier this year.

With the ruling Congress aiming to retain both seats in what is seen as a crucial test before larger electoral battles, the party is underscoring that candidate selection will be based on merit and organisational strength rather than community pressure.

As protests continue and rebel voices grow louder, the episode has exposed fault lines within the Karnataka Congress over balancing caste, community, and family legacies in ticket distribution.

The outcome of the row will be closely watched in the run-up to nomination withdrawals on March 26.