In a swift administrative action, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has relieved MLC Naseer Ahmed of his duties as Political Secretary to the Chief Minister with immediate effect.

A formal government notification issued late on April 13 by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) stated that Ahmed has been removed from the post he has held since June 2023.

The order also withdraws all facilities and privileges extended to him in that capacity.

The decision follows intense internal scrutiny within the Congress party after the Davangere South Assembly bypoll on April 9.

Party sources allege that Ahmed failed to campaign effectively for the official Congress candidate, Samarth Mallikarjun, and was involved in anti-party activities, including tacit support to rebel elements and groups linked to the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

These lapses are believed to have contributed to internal divisions, particularly among certain Muslim community leaders within the party.

According to senior Congress leaders, the high command initially asked Ahmed to resign voluntarily.

When he reportedly resisted, the leadership proceeded with a formal removal order.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had publicly expressed hope that Ahmed would step down gracefully before the notification was issued.

This development marks the latest high-profile reshuffle in the Chief Minister’s Office.

Insiders describe it as the fifth significant change in the CMO in the past 10 months, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline the administration and address factionalism ahead of larger political challenges.

Naseer Ahmed, a veteran Congress leader and Member of the Legislative Council, had been a close aide to Siddaramaiah, handling key political coordination and community outreach roles.

His removal is being closely watched in Karnataka’s political circles, especially in the wake of the bypoll results and the party’s preparations for future electoral battles.

As of now, the Chief Minister’s Office has not announced a replacement for the position.

Party observers expect further clarity on the matter in the coming days.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.