In a fresh sign of deepening friction within the Karnataka Congress leadership, a heated altercation broke out between key aides of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi.
The clash involved C Mohan Kumar, Assistant Resident Commissioner of Karnataka Bhavan and Special Duty Officer (SDO) to CM Siddaramaiah, and H Anjaneya, SDO to Deputy CM Shivakumar. The dispute, which unfolded in the government guesthouse premises, has now escalated to the attention of their respective political heads.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, Anjaneya accused Mohan Kumar of obstructing his work and even threatening him with physical assault.
“From the day he took charge, Mohan Kumar has been interfering with my duties. He threatened to take off his shoe and hit me inside the office,” Anjaneya alleged in his complaint. He also demanded a departmental inquiry into Mohan’s conduct and promotion.
Anjaneya added, “He’s been preventing me from fulfilling my responsibilities. This has caused a serious blow to my dignity.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, when asked about the clash, acknowledged being informed of the incident and said he would review the matter.
In response, Mohan Kumar denied any threat or aggressive behavior.
“Anjaneya made inappropriate remarks when he visited the office. I was on a call and didn’t react at that moment, but later called him to seek clarification,” Mohan explained.
He further accused Anjaneya of misconduct, alleging that he was rude to the women staff at Karnataka Bhavan.
“Some women employees have even filed a complaint with the Women’s Commission,” Kumar told ANI.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that no PCR call or formal complaint has been received regarding the altercation. Authorities said they would act upon the matter if any official complaint is filed.
The incident highlights growing tensions between the two power centres in the Karnataka Congress, with political observers noting that such episodes could further strain the already fragile balance of power between the CM and his deputy.
